HomePod gets better in two new ways with iOS 27

Apple’s HomePod products were largely absent from the company’s WWDC announcements this week, but there are two improvements coming in iOS 27—with more set to be unveiled this fall.

iOS 27 improves AirPlay and adds AutoMix to HomePods

If you’re a HomePod user, iOS 27 isn’t the most exciting update—at least not yet.

So far, Apple has only confirmed two ways the HomePod will get better with its OS 27 versions.

AutoMix for Apple Music Faster AirPlay connections from iPhone

AutoMix is an Apple Music feature that launched in iOS 26 last year for DJ-style transitions between songs. But HomePod was left out, limited to the older Crossfade feature.

Now with iOS 27 and HomePod 27, Apple says that the HomePod will gain the full AutoMix experience.

Additionally, in highlighting performance improvements and refinements in iOS 27, Apple listed the following on a WWDC slide:

Faster AirPlay connections to Apple TV and HomePod

These two changes are nice to have, but rumors indicate there are bigger HomePod upgrades coming that won’t be revealed until this fall.

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