Apple Expands Sound Glow Feature to Legacy HomePod Models

Apple is extending its dynamic LED lighting feature, Sound Glow, beyond the latest HomePod Mini 2. Recent beta software confirms that the visual synchronization technology, which mirrors album art and ambient soundscapes through the speaker's top interface, will soon arrive on both the second-generation HomePod and the original HomePod Mini.

Corp and Tech·October 20, 2026·reads: 190

The integration appears in the latest 27.2 beta firmware, signaling a broader rollout for a feature Apple previously framed as a highlight of its newest hardware launch. By syncing the device’s top-mounted LEDs to the color palette of playing tracks, the company aims to offer a more immersive visual feedback loop for users. This update bypasses the hardware exclusivity initially suggested during last week's announcement, allowing owners of older units to utilize the light-syncing capabilities. For those currently running the beta, the functionality provides a tangible aesthetic shift, transforming the dormant touch surface into a reactive display that pulses in rhythm with the audio output.