I had assumed Apple would restrict Sound Glow to the HomePod mini 2, as my first-generation stereo pair is always within my sight when working, and such a feature would matter to me. The Music app on my Apple TV 4K 3 already provided a similar visualizer on the big screen; having my HomePod minis react with the same palette would contribute to the overall ambience.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Sound Glow is actually supported on all HomePods—excluding the original full-size model. After installing iOS 27.2 on my iPhone and its HomePod equivalent on my speakers, I was able to turn on and use Sound Glow on my 2020 minis just fine. Now they feel significantly more vibrant and energetic when blasting bops on them.
My old HomePod mini is getting new lights and features to match the 2nd-gen model.
Mahmoud Itani / Foundry
Ghost buster
Many users have had to discard their otherwise functional HomePods because of the somewhat widespread phantom touch issue. The flaw repeatedly triggers the affected HomePod’s touchscreen without any user input, pausing/playing music and controlling the volume in a chaotic manner.
The latest OS update fixes the issue with a Lock Controls toggle in the Home app that optionally disables the touchscreen. So, whenever your HomePod starts misbehaving, you can kill touch input altogether and continue to rely on the otherwise functional speaker using voice commands or your iPhone.
Turning a blind AI
While OS 27.2 does not activate Siri AI on my original HomePod minis, the feature is arguably inessential in this context. The classic Siri generally works well for basic audio playback commands, and I tend to have longer, more complicated conversations with Siri AI using the keyboard on my iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Plus, the new HomePod mini 2 sells for $149, so upgrading my stereo pair would cost me another $300. It would make more sense to maintain my current HomePod setup and instead buy a HomeView for a similar price. This would unlock Siri AI and provide an always-on display as a bonus. Until Apple releases a meaningful upgrade, I will continue to rely on my trusty 6-year-old HomePod minis without a problem.
