# How to Turn On the HomePod Sound Glow Feature in Software Version 27.2 > The HomePod Sound Glow feature in software version 27.2 pulses the top display to match audio rhythms and album art colors on supported speakers. - Canonical URL: https://coreiten.com/en/article/homepod-sound-glow-how-to-enable-it-in-software-27-2 - Language: en - Section: How To - Author: Sami - Published: 2026-10-25T10:01:54+03:00 - Modified: 2026-10-25T10:01:54+03:00 - Publisher: CoreITen (https://coreiten.com) - Keywords: HomePod Sound Glow, HomePod, HomePod mini, HomePod 2, HomePod mini 2, Apple, Apple TV ## Summary Apple's HomePod software version 27.2 introduces the Sound Glow feature, turning the speaker's top circular screen into pulsing lights that react to audio. - According to iDownloadBlog, the aesthetic effect is disabled by default on HomePod mini and can be toggled on through the Home app or Apple TV. - The animation pulls two or three dominant colors from the album cover while moving a white glow ball to create a bouncy motion that reacts to the beat. - Sound Glow works on every HomePod model running software version 27.2 or later, apart from the original 2018 HomePod. - As of October 21, 2026, version 27.2 was in public beta, with a general release expected the following week. - X users @SSOUIC and @wilson_boi_101 have shared video clips showing the lighting effect in action. **Why it matters:** This update adds a visual, beat-reactive aesthetic to Apple's smart speakers, bringing ambient lighting features similar to those found in Apple Music and Tesla vehicles. --- Apple has introduced the **HomePod Sound Glow** feature with HomePod software version 27.2, turning the speaker's top circular screen into pulsing lights that react to audio. According to iDownloadBlog, the aesthetic effect is disabled by default on HomePod mini and can be toggled on through the Home app or Apple TV. Much like the Visualizer inside the Mac Apple Music app or the Sync Lights with Music feature in a Tesla Model Y Premium, which illuminates the cabin's interior accent strip, Sound Glow translates audio into light. The top display reacts to the beat of playing music, podcasts, videos, built-in ambient sounds, and more. The animation typically pulls two or three dominant colors from the album cover while moving a white glow ball slightly to create a bouncy motion. Writing for iDownloadBlog, the author notes that while the feature adds no functional benefit and is nowhere near as bright as room neon or multi-color lights, it serves as an aesthetic addition that fits alongside existing room lighting. ### Supported HomePod Models Sound Glow works on every HomePod model running software version 27.2 or later, apart from the original 2018 HomePod. The compatible devices are: - HomePod mini (released in 2020) - HomePod 2 (released in 2023) - HomePod mini 2 (released in 2026) ### How to Turn On Sound Glow on iPhone or iPad Enabling the lighting effect from an iPhone or iPad requires updating both the mobile device and the speaker: 1. **Download** iOS 27.2 or iPadOS 27.2 or later on your iPhone or iPad. 2. **Update** your HomePod to software version 27.2 or later. *As of October 21, 2026, version 27.2 was in public beta, with a general release expected the following week.* 3. **Open** the **Home** app. 4. **Touch and hold** your HomePod tile, then select **Accessory Settings**. 5. **Turn on** **Sound Glow**. Once enabled, ask Siri on the HomePod to play a track, or start playback from an iPhone with the HomePod selected as the audio output. According to iDownloadBlog, the top display will glow in shifting colors that somewhat follow the song's beat, though users may need to try a different track if the effect is not obvious on a particular song. Users who want to disable the feature later can follow the exact same steps in the Home app. X users @SSOUIC and @wilson_boi_101 have also shared video clips showing the lighting effect in action. ### Managing Sound Glow on Mac and Apple TV Mac users can control the setting through a similar path on desktop. Open the HomePod settings inside the Home app on macOS 27 Golden Gate to switch Sound Glow on or off. On Apple TV running tvOS 27, the setting is only accessible when the HomePod is configured as the default speaker, rather than when temporarily routing Apple TV audio to the speaker. To set this up, open **tvOS Settings**, select **Video and Audio**, choose **Audio Output**, and pick the HomePod. After the speaker is set as the default output, a new HomePod tab appears inside the tvOS 27 Control Center. Switching to that tab allows users to turn Sound Glow on or off for a HomePod or HomePod mini. ## Sources - [idownloadblog.com](https://www.idownloadblog.com/2026/10/21/sound-glow-homepod/) ## Related topics - [Apple TV](https://coreiten.com/en/topic/apple-tv)