Four HomePod mini 2 speakers and the new $299 Apple TV 4K come to $895 before tax, which is what Apple's first four-speaker surround setup costs. Apple says that "for the first time, users can create a four-speaker surround sound experience with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) and HomePod mini 2." The speakers work together with Apple TV 4K to recognize their position in the room and calibrate timing and levels.
What you pay and when
Prices are from Apple's US store pages, checked at 10:20 a.m. ET on Oct. 13, before tax.
- Apple TV 4K (4th generation): $299.00. Pre-order, available Nov. 13.
- HomePod mini 2: $149.00 each. Pre-order, available Oct. 30.
- HomePod (2nd generation): $349.00 each, in Midnight and White.
HomePod mini 2 is available Oct. 30 and Apple TV 4K Nov. 13, so you can't use the full setup before Nov. 13.
Who needs to buy what
You need four speakers, with the front pair and the rear pair each matching, plus the new box. Apple's footnote: "Home theater surround sound requires four HomePod (2nd generation) or HomePod mini 2 speakers in matching pairs (front and rear) paired with Apple TV 4K (4th generation) running the latest operating system software."
| Setup | Speakers (4) | Apple TV 4K | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Four HomePod mini 2 | $596 | $299 | $895 |
| Four HomePod (2nd generation) | $1,396 | $299 | $1,695 |
If you already own Apple gear
If you own four matching HomePod (2nd generation) speakers, you add only the $299 box.
If you own an older Apple TV 4K, Apple names only the 4th generation for surround. Siri AI does reach Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) and later, but that is a separate feature. For the wider launch, see our Apple event story.
Against a soundbar
Sonos sells the Beam Ultra at $699 and the Arc Ultra at $1,099, both in stock on its US store pages at 11:15 a.m. ET on Oct. 13. Sonos' page says: "With Dolby Atmos, you get true 7.1.2 surround sound."
The price and format differ. Four small speakers plus the box is $895. One soundbar is $699 and is a single device. We make no claim about which sounds better.
A bar plugs into the TV. Sonos lists "a compatible HDMI eARC connection" as the requirement for Dolby Atmos, not an Apple TV 4K. The four-speaker setup needs the new Apple TV 4K (4th generation), per Apple.
On Atmos, Apple's pages call the setup "four-speaker surround sound" and do not give a channel layout such as 7.1.2 for it. Apple's Apple TV 4K page separately says Spatial Audio "immerses you in Dolby Atmos surround sound." Sonos states 7.1.2 for the Beam Ultra; Apple does not state an equivalent figure for four HomePod speakers.
Our judgment
Our judgment, not tested: this suits people already in Apple's ecosystem who want surround without a bar and an AV receiver, and who own or will buy the new box. If you want one device at a lower price, look at a bar.
What is not stated
Apple lists no older Apple TV 4K for surround and the matching-pairs rule is the only mixing guidance it gives. We have not tested any of this and make no sound-quality claim.
