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With iOS 27 and the corresponding HomePod software, Apple's smart speakers gain a feature they've lacked until now: AutoMix blends tracks together with smooth, DJ-like transitions. Previously, HomePod owners had to make do with a simpler crossfade – or resort to a workaround.
At WWDC, Apple announced numerous new features for its services, some of which also affect the HomePod. The most noticeable is support for AutoMix, the Apple Music feature that uses artificial intelligence to analyze consecutive songs and seamlessly connect them with appropriate transitions. It arrives with iOS 27 and the accompanying HomePod software 27 – a device category whose next hardware generation is still pending. Existing models will therefore benefit from the new feature regardless of the upcoming generation change.
What AutoMix can do on the HomePod
AutoMix matches two consecutive tracks based on their key and tempo, smoothing the transition so it feels less like a jarring song change and more like a seamless mix. This feature is similar to what DJs would normally do manually.
This wasn't previously possible on the HomePod. Under the current HomePod software version 26, AutoMix isn't available; users only have access to the simple crossfade, which smooths the transition between two songs without actively matching key and tempo. Apple closes this gap with the new software.
Improved transitions thanks to revised algorithms
Alongside the rollout to the HomePod, Apple has revamped the underlying algorithms of AutoMix. These now generate new transition types designed to ensure even smoother transitions between tracks. Since the HomePod is receiving the feature for the first time, it benefits from this improvement right from the start. AutoMix isn't making the leap to new devices alone – the feature is also simultaneously being rolled out to Apple Music on Apple TV, which is also gaining Hi-Res Lossless audio.
Until now, only a workaround using AirPlay helped
Anyone who wanted to listen to AutoMix via their HomePod previously had to take a workaround. If you stream music to the HomePod via AirPlay and the sending device supports AutoMix (with the feature enabled), the mix is transmitted to the HomePod via the AirPlay stream. However, this wasn't a native solution, but rather the only available workaround. Generally speaking, the HomePod can be tightly integrated with Apple Music anyway, for example, when it comes to activating Dolby Atmos and Lossless audio for the smart speakers.
The first HomePod from 2018 is also included
For owners of the original HomePod, there's some welcome news. The beta version of HomePod software 27 also supports the first model of the smart speaker, which launched in 2018 and was discontinued in 2021. There had been some confusion about this earlier this week; however, the support has since been independently confirmed. This means that even Apple's oldest HomePod isn't left out when it comes to functionality.
Availability of the HomePod function
HomePod software version 27 is currently in beta. It will be released to the general public this fall, once iOS 27 is officially launched. Only then will AutoMix be available to all HomePod users without requiring a beta installation.
The HomePod is getting closer to Apple Music
The expansion may seem small on its own, but it fills a noticeable gap in the speaker's functionality. Until now, the HomePod felt somewhat limited in its music listening experience compared to the iPhone, iPad, or Mac. With AutoMix and the revamped transitions, it catches up considerably – and this applies to the entire installed base, from the HomePod mini to the very first model. (Image: Shutterstock / Kaspars Grinvalds)
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