HomePod Sound Glow won’t be exclusive to the new HomePod mini 2. Apple’s upcoming HomePod Software 27.2 is bringing the pulse light show to the older speakers.
That’s a nice perk for owners of the second-generation HomePod and the original HomePod mini. Apple announced the feature as a hardware addition to the HomePod mini 2 on October 13.
HomePod Sound Glow turns speaker top into a light show
With Sound Glow, the top of the speaker lights up and pulses in sync with the audio playing. And the colors are pulled from album artwork. Some early hands-on reports suggest it’s fairly subtle, with two or three dominant colors appearing with a dim glow.
If the speaker sits near a white wall, it can tint it in a dark room.
But note that Not every HomePod gets Sound Glow. The update will bring the feature to the second-generation HomePod, the original HomePod mini and (of course) the HomePod mini 2. But the original HomePod from 2018 won’t get it.
Sound Glow looks so good on HomePod pic.twitter.com/CwisygY3Va
— Beta Profiles (@BetaProfiles) October 20, 2026
How to enable Sound Glow
HomePod Software 27.2 is currently available as a release candidate for developers and public beta testers. Apple is expected to make it available for everyone next week.
Once you install the update, all you need to do is flip a toggle. Early hands-on reports say you’ll have to open the Home app, long-press your HomePod and scroll down to Settings. The new Sound Glow switch will appear there.
If your HomePods are paired with an Apple TV, you can also turn it on from Apple TV’s Control Center.
HomePod Software 27.2 brings other upgrades as well
The update also introduces a Lock Controls option that lets you disable touch interactions on the top of the speaker. Also, HomePods will be able to connect as the default speaker for a Mac.
The tvOS 27.2 release candidate also brings HomePod surround sound to the new Apple TV 4K. That setup requires four speakers in matching pairs.
The HomePod mini 2 is scheduled to start shipping October 30, and can be pre-ordered now.
- See also: HomePod mini 2 brings the biggest upgrade in 6 years
- See also: Original HomePod mini won’t get Siri AI
Anurag Chawake is a tech-focused writer specializing in smartphones, apps and consumer technology. His interest in computers began during the Windows 98 era, eventually leading him to explore everything from operating systems to mobile devices and PC hardware. Anurag previously contributed to The Indian Express, covering Apple, Android, gaming and the broader technology landscape.
