This is a curiosity, but a quite interesting one in my book. In tvOS 16 and earlier versions, when you make a Homepod Mini (single or stereo pair) the default audio output of an Apple TV 4K, in the audio format tab of the settings it says "Auto, Atmos available", and if you enter that sub menu it says that Atmos is available with the Homepod. This is incorrect. The Homepod Mini has never supported Dolby Atmos, and Apple even say as much in one of their support documents. This led many people to believe that the Homepod Mini supported Dolby Atmos for movies and tv shows when paired with the Apple TV, but in reality (verified with the Apple A/V stats while playing Atmos and 5.1 content), it was always limited to regular stereo.
On tvOS 17 betas, this is what the same Apple TV sub menu reports when you make Homepod Minis the default audio output of an Apple TV 4K (Picture taken from the tvOS beta sub reddit).
https://i.redd.it/7jri0apngx7b1.jpg
Glad it was finally fixed to avoid further confusion.
On tvOS 17 betas, this is what the same Apple TV sub menu reports when you make Homepod Minis the default audio output of an Apple TV 4K (Picture taken from the tvOS beta sub reddit).
https://i.redd.it/7jri0apngx7b1.jpg
Glad it was finally fixed to avoid further confusion.