Apple Tests Quad-HomePod Surround System With Forklift Tuning in AudioOS 27
Apple appears to be testing a four-HomePod surround setup in audioOS 27 beta 8, enabling front-left, front-right, rear-left, and rear-right speakers with automatic room calibration, speaker-position mapping, timing adjustments, bass management, EQ, dialogue enhancement, and both four-channel spatialization or stereo downmix to the front two. The references mention a new tuning system called 'Forklift' that pairs two second-gen HomePods with two other speakers using an unidentified AID12007 hardware family, hinting at a future HomePod mini or other unreleased device. Apple is also exploring a new 'Party Mode' to diffuse sound for more even room coverage. There is no current Home app or Apple TV UI to configure four HomePods as a surround system, and it remains unclear whether Apple will release these features, though Bloomberg’s Gurman has suggested a broader Home refresh including a new HomePod mini, Apple TV, and smart home hub.