Apple's iOS 27.2 release candidate introduces Sound Glow, which turns the HomePod mini and 2nd-gen HomePod's LED top cap into an animated, color-matched display that reacts to playing music and podcasts, with custom animations for Soundscapes. The update also adds a Lock Controls option to prevent accidental top-cap taps, new profile support in the TV app, Suggested Actions in Messages, and new assets for Apple TV's surround-sound Home Theater feature.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-21
Apple is rolling out Sound Glow, a feature that lights up the touch surface of HomePod mini and the second-generation HomePod with colors drawn from the currently playing song's album artwork. The feature requires software version 27.2, is enabled via the Home app or Apple TV Control Center, and does not work on the original HomePod.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-19
Apple's upcoming iOS 27.2 and HomePod 27.2 software update introduces a 'Lock Controls' setting in the Home app that disables touch input on the device's top cap. The feature, spotted by leaker pdfu in a release candidate build, will work across all HomePod models, including the original 2018 version. Even with controls locked, Intercom, timers, alarms, Check In, and FaceTime calls will still respond to touch.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-19
Apple has launched its 4th-generation Apple TV 4K at $299, a significant jump from the $129 launch price of the previous 3rd-gen model. Tech commentators broadly agree the device is overpriced for most buyers, especially since Siri AI features are also supported on older 2nd- and 3rd-gen boxes. Journalist Glenn Fleishman compiled pricing data showing the increase far outpaces inflation compared to nearly every past Apple TV model.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-19
In episode 086 of 9to5Mac Overtime, hosts Jeff Benjamin and Fernando Silva discussed Apple's purported smart home refresh, covering a $299 device called Apple HomeView, a HomePod mini 2, an updated Apple TV 4K, and an Apple Home Collection product line. The episode was sponsored by case maker Rokform, which is offering a discount code tied to upcoming iPhone models.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-16
A HomeKit Weekly column advises smart home users to buy outdoor-rated smart plugs now for Halloween decorations, noting the same hardware and automations can be reused for Christmas lights in December. It recommends ensuring a home hub (Apple TV, HomePod, or HomePod mini) is set up first, and suggests dual-outlet outdoor plugs and devices like Eve Energy for indoor use such as Christmas trees or fog machines.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-16
Apple's latest iOS 27.2 beta introduces three changes: granular settings to enable or disable specific Messages 'Suggestions' like calendar and reminder prompts, two new Home app options for smart locks covering auto-lock timing and door-left-open alerts, and a visual overhaul of the Music app that replaces its red branding with black-and-white icons and blue tab accents.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-16
Apple announced a free software update bringing three new features to the existing HomePod (2nd generation), alongside this week's launch of HomePod mini 2, HomeView and a new Apple TV 4K. The update adds Sound Glow lighting effects synced to music, the ability to set HomePod as the default Mac speaker, and support for four-HomePod surround sound when paired with the new Apple TV 4K.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-16
Apple held a smart home event introducing the HomeView smart display, a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini, according to discussion on 9to5Mac's Happy Hour podcast. Hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller also noted the new Apple TV's high price and shared their first impressions of the devices.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-15
Apple is set to release the iPhone Duo on October 23, HomePod mini 2 on October 30, and new Macs with an OLED iPad mini around November 6, followed by HomeView and Apple TV 4K on November 13, according to analyst Mark Gurman. Gurman says Apple stores will undergo a major floor reset the evening of November 5 into November 6 to accommodate the new Mac and iPad mini launches.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-15
Apple unveiled a Home Collection of smart devices including a HomeView panel, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K, and nine accessories ranging from $40 sensors to $400 security cameras. A ZDNET reviewer, evaluating the lineup from a renter's perspective, singled out LG's $200 Indoor Cam as a standout pick due to its lamp-like design, automatic privacy mode, and lack of wall-mounting requirement.
zdnet.com
· 2026-10-15
Amazon has expanded pre-order discounts on the newly unveiled Apple HomeView to its Silver, Space Gray, and Rose Pink colorways, each priced at $289.99, while the Starlight model has returned to full price. Separately, Best Buy is offering pre-orders on Apple's new HomePod mini 2 with double rewards points for members, alongside other Apple deals including a $220 discount on the 1TB M5 Max Mac Studio and a $600 cut on an M5 Pro MacBook Pro.
9to5mac.com
· 2026-10-15
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