Forget HomePod 2, all AirPlay speakers could soon get full Apple TV 4K support

Any AirPlay 2 speaker as your default Apple TV option? Sweet

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

It looks as ifApplehas been devising a way to allow any AirPlay 2 speaker to act as your default Apple TV4Ksound solution – at least, that’s suggested by code found in the first beta of iOS 16.1, which was released to developers last week.

Right now, both of Apple’s HomePods (the original and the newerHomePod Mini) can be set as default speakers for Apple TV 4K, meaning thateverythingyou play from your Apple TV automatically comes through them (though only the discontinued originalHomePodcan deliver Dolby Atmos audio).

Wouldn’t it be awesome if yourKEF LSX II,Sonos Oneor, in fact, any of thebest AirPlay speakerscould function in much the same way – ie. wireless Apple TV sound that doesn’t get disconnected when yourApple TV 4K (2021)goes into standby? Well, according to iOS 16.1 beta code discovered by9to5Mac,your wish may soon be granted.Currently, using an original HomePod as your default Apple TV 4K speaker works very well indeed – it can even suck up and deliver Dolby Atmos sound from yourPlayStation 5,Xbox Series Xor other HDMI-connected device, thanks to that model’s HDMI eARC support.

Analysis: Apple wouldn’t do this if it didn’t have big plans

How is this all set to happen? Well, according to 9to5Mac’s report, it’s all about the Home app: in the iOS 16.1 beta, you can pair AirPlay 2 speakers in a permanent speaker group. Said speaker group could then be set as the default audio output for an Apple TV 4K.

Apple actually launched this currently HomePod-specific feature in early 2021, weeks before discontinuing the HomePod (aka the only device capable of delivering it in Dolby Atmos), so it makes sense for Apple to be broadening its horizons now – and the news also adds weight to the much rumoredHomePod 2’s imminent launch, to take up the mantle.Although Apple hasn’t confirmed any of this, the Cupertino gianthasspecified that it will launch its new Home architecture with Matter support later this year. So, it makes sense that these enhanced AirPlay 2 speaker capabilities could form part of the rollout.Oh, and aside from a new HomePod, Apple is also rumored to be working on a newApple TV 4K (2022), an upgraded Apple TV streaming set-top box with a more powerful A14 chip and more memory.

For the Apple- and Siri- ensconced, the wider rollout of iOS 16.1 can’t come soon enough.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

Becky became Audio Editor at TechRadar in 2024, but joined the team in 2022 as Senior Staff Writer, focusing on all things hi-fi. Before this, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.

The most mind-blowing portable speaker of 2024 is now cheaper, and finally coming to the UK too

JBL Authentics 200 review: a punchy smart speaker with vintage style

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is coming to PS5 with PS5 Pro support at launch