YES that's right, you can now print your own replacement mesh for your HomePod!

There are two "versions"; One single-piece tall version that slides over the original mesh...and a two-piece split version that you glue together. A third version will be added soon intended for you to remove the original mesh entirely and replace it with your own printed version of choice.

There are different mesh "densities". Mid-fine in my opinion looks closest to the original, doesn't affect the sound like fine can, and still covers the original mesh enough to obscure original dinge. Coarse should in-theory affect the sound even less, but comes at the cost of showing more of the original mesh through.

The standalone version has a ~2mm gap on the bottom to allow the HomePod's original rubber base to retain it's grip.

If you choose the split version, I would suggest printing the bottom half "upside-down" and adding a small ring to it to be printed in TPU, otherwise your pod will be sitting on plain plastic and slide around easier. I've included a .3mf of the bottom half with a ring added via object modifiers in my slicer.

I would recommend only attempting to print the first few layers to tune your settings. Default, these can take at least 10-20 hours print, but you can get that down to under 8 hours with proper tuning and profiling, w/o needing supports. Included is the config I use to print the standalone version on my snapmaker u1.

Here are the 3d print files, and here are the scripts used to generate them if you wish to tweak the fit / tolerances or just want to see how it works. More versions coming soon to support 2nd Gen models, and that fit if you remove your original mesh.

I will sell them soon on my shop if you don't want to print your own! Stay tuned~

HomePodOS was not even mentioned. There are literally no new features.

audioOS 27.2 RC confirms that Whole Room Audio (Party Mode) is a secondary “diffuse” rendering mode for surround sound, so you’ll need the new Apple TV 4K, along with 2 pairs of HomePod mini 2 and/or HomePod (2nd generation).

The feature has an interesting implementation: it gives diagonally opposite HomePods the same L/R stereo role.

• Front left → Stereo left
• Front right → Stereo right
• Rear left → Stereo right
• Rear right → Stereo left

So if you turn your back to the TV, you still get the correct L/R placement. You also get both L/R channels if you face sideways.

edit (Oct 20): To avoid any confusion, this is not the main surround mode. It’s a second option that you can use. The new audio settings menu on Apple TV makes it easier to understand.

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.

https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-4k/

On a live Q&A call today, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said Apple is planning to release a new full-sized HomePod alongside new HomePod mini and Apple TV models.

Gurman reiterated that updates to all three products are on hold until Apple releases its more personalized version of Siri later this year. The revamped assistant is expected to debut in iOS 27, which will be available in beta starting in June and should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September.

Most missed feature of the iOS26 cycle!

All HomePod models will support the Lock Controls setting, according to HomePod software 27.2 RC.

You should see the setting in the Home app after updating both HomePod and iPhone.

Apple is advertising the new HomePod mini 2 specifically as speakers for Mac:

HomePod as speakers for your Mac. HomePod mini 2 is the ultimate audio companion, delivering room-filling sound for everything you do on your Mac — from watching movies to playing fun games to video calls.7 With this setup, the connection is more responsive and reliable than ever.

u/SamwiseIsGreat mentioned it in another thread, but Sound Glow will work on HomePod mini 1, HomePod mini 2 and HomePod (2nd generation)!

In HomePod Software 27.2 RC, the LightShowCapability check is “productType > 1,” so only the original HomePod is unsupported.

This sub has a lot of negativity in the comments for the new homepod mini 2. I feel like this device will be a godsend to replace my Amazon echo dot. I cannot stand the Amazon Alexa ecosystem and their constant barrage of ads and continually asking to upgrade. I already pay for prime, I shouldn’t have to listen to it. Plus I don’t think my data is secure with them.

Even if it is a lateral move from their unit, I will be very happy.

I updated to the OS 27 RC on my 2nd Gen HomePod and AutoMix is finally available!

I swear with my mother’s life i didn't do or did anything to cause or deserve this. How is this even fair to customers?

“the top of your HomePod lights up with colors that match your album artwork, pulsing in tune with the music.”

https://www.apple.com/homepod-2nd-generation/