Users can already pair two HomePods in stereo mode and set them as audio output on iPhone, iPad, and even Apple TV. However, using a stereo pair of HomePods on a Mac is not that easy. macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta, which was released today for developers, finally adds an option to set stereo-paired HomePods as the default sound output on Mac.
In previous versions of macOS, stereo-paired HomePods were available as an option in the Music app or for other AirPlay content, but you had to select them for each content through the AirPlay menu. By trying to choose stereo-paired HomePods as the default option, macOS shows the left and right side as separate outputs.
With macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta installed, the system now shows a HomePod pair as a single option in the sound output list instead of showing each HomePod separately. Once you click on the pair of HomePods, the system will automatically use them to play sounds in stereo mode.
The feature is not yet working consistently, but it’s still a big step forward compared to the experience Mac users have had with the HomePod so far. It’s worth pointing out that this only lets you use two HomePods to play stereo sound from media like music and videos across different apps, but system sounds will remain playing only on the built-in Mac speakers.
macOS Big Sur 11.3 is now available exclusively for developers, but it’s unclear when Apple plans to release it to the public.
The reason for this is, unbelievably, because the macOS system doesn’t natively support AirPlay 2, only AirPlay 1. Yep, the latest version of Apple’s flagship OS doesn’t support the latest version of Apple’s own audio protocol. Apple has built the protocols into its audio apps, but not into macOS itself.
Read also:
- Apple releases first macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta for developers
- What’s new in macOS 11.3? Sorting in Reminders app, Safari customizations, more [U]
- macOS Big Sur 11.3 beta brings new Support menu with details on warranty coverage and AppleCare
