HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 2 add default Mac audio for Wi‑Fi 6E+ Macs

If your Mac has Wi-Fi 6E and you've got one of the most recent HomePod or HomePod mini models, everything, including notification sounds, can be routed through the smart speakers. Here's what you need.Some HomePod models can output Mac system audioApple just revealed the HomePod mini 2 with an updated S10 chipset and a handful of new features. One of them lets it pair to a Mac for system output, just like what is possible with larger second-generation HomePod.It is possible to use a stereo pair of either model and make it output your Mac audio as well. A large HomePod pair might be a bit overwhelming for most desk setups, but giving HomePod mini 2 the same feature is a big help. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Macworld If you bought a Mac within the past three years, Apple offers a new feature with the HomePod mini 2 that you can take advantage of: the ability to set up the speakers as the default audio output device. However, Apple says this works only on Macs with Wi-Fi 6E or later, which Apple began incorporating into Macs in 2023. To be more specific, the HomePod mini 2 can be used as default Mac speakers with: M2/M2 Pro or later Mac mini M2 Pro/M2 Max or later Mac MacBook Pro M2 Max/M2 Ultra or later Mac Studio M2 Ultra Mac Pro M3 or later iMac M3 or later MacBook Air A single HomePod mini 2 can connect to the Mac, or a pair can be connected for stereo output. The mini 2’s four speaker surround soud setup works only with the new 4th generation Apple TV 4K. Learn more about the HomePod mini 2. The HomePod mini 2, as well as older mini models and the larger HomePod can also connect to the Mac (and iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple TV 4K) via AirPlay, but this type of connection can’t be set as default, so you need to reconnect anytime you restart the device or log out. There’s also a slight lag when syncing up the audio, so it’s not the most ideal setup. Interestingly, a footnote on the HomePod mini 2 tech specs website says the following in regards to the new Mac connectivity: 7. Compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later. That indicates that this connection method also works with the HomePod (2nd generation) as well, which was released in 2023 and is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11n, not Wi-Fi 6E. Also the HomePod product page does not offer any details on Mac connectivity. We’ve reached out to Apple for clarification and will update this article should we get a response. HomePod mini 2 Price When Reviewed: £149 Best Prices Today: £149 at Apple Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) Price When Reviewed: £349 (was £299) Best Prices Today: £349 at AO£349 at Apple£349 at Argos Read our full Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023) review

An addendum to our report about the HomePod mini 2 working as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E and later: Apple says this ability extends to the full-sized HomePod 2. Apple's fine print for HomePods as default Mac speakers says "compatible with HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation) with support on all Mac desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi 6E or later."Related Roundup: HomePodBuyer's Guide: HomePod (Caution)This article, "Apple Says HomePod 2 Also Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums

The new HomePod mini 2 can be used as a default speaker on all Mac models with Wi-Fi 6E or later, according to Apple. You can use a single HomePod, or a pair for stereo sound. The previous-generation HomePod mini can also be used as a Mac's speaker via AirPlay, but it cannot be set as the default audio output. AirPlay can also introduce audio latency.Related Roundup: HomePod miniTag: HomePod Mini 2Buyer's Guide: HomePod Mini (Buy Now)Related Forum: HomePod, HomeView, CarPlay – Home & Auto TechThis article, "HomePod Mini 2 Works as Default Speaker With Select Macs" first appeared on MacRumors.comDiscuss this article in our forums