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.
Apple 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.
At least with HomePod mini 2 you'll be able to see the new Sound Glow feature pulse along to your music. It even color matches to the currently playing album art.
To set this up, you need a recent Mac that supports Wi-Fi 6E. Those are:
You've probably noticed the pattern here. The 2023 cutoff aligns with when Wi-Fi 6E was introduced in the M3 chipset.
The available HomePods for the setup are a bit more simple to understand. They are:
- 2023 HomePod
- 2026 HomePod mini 2
The Apple HomeView has speakers and functions similarly to a HomePod, but it is not available as an output for your Mac's system audio. However, it is an AirPlay target, so like other AirPlay speakers and older HomePods, you can play media audio to those devices.
The feature will be managed on your compatible Mac in System Settings -> Sound. However, it doesn't appear to be live in macOS Golden Gate as of October 14, but could arrive as an option once the HomePod mini 2 launches on October 30.
