Apple has now officially started a new beta phase with iOS 15.1 and Co. audioOS 15.1 was also made available for the HomePod. The update brings back lossless audio and Dolby Atmos, as is currently reported.
After introducing Apple Music Lossless and Dolby Atmos with Spatial Audio in May, the company said the HomePod mini and large HomePod would also receive support at a later date. Apple added lossless support in an earlier beta version, but removed it before the official release of software version 15, i.e. audioOS 15. However, the features have been re-enabled under the 15.1 beta, as 9to5mac now reports reportedThis suggests that support could begin with the release of the final version of the software.
HomePod with Lossless Audio and Dolby Atmos support
Users using the HomePod beta software can enable the features in the Home app by tapping Home Settings, Media, and Apple Music. First introduced in 2021, lossless audio and spatial audio are two features built into Apple Music. The former allows users to stream tracks in a much higher quality while the latter simulates sound in three-dimensional space. Apple notes that lossless audio uses much more data than non-lossless streaming. Additionally, Dolby Atmos support with spatial audio is not available on every track. Both lossless audio and spatial audio are features included in the regular Apple Music subscription. (Photo by Unsplash / Jeremy Bezanger)
