Apple has released a beta version of the macOS Big Sur 11.3 update. The update includes much improved support for using stereo-paired HomePods in place of the Mac's built-in speaker.

The beta version seems incomplete, but it could be a big change for serious Apple fans who want to make more use of their smart speakers. The update adds the ability to select a stereo pair as the single default sound output.

Currently, it is possible to turn a HomePod stereo pair into a desktop Mac speaker set, but the process is much more complicated and limited: the pair must be selected as an output using the AirPlay menu, and then only through AirPlay and the Music app Only via the 11.3 beta can the pair of HomePods be used for playback; in the 11.3 beta, the pair of HomePods can be set as the default output, so they can essentially be used just like any other connected speaker.

This puts macOS on par with other Apple platforms such as iOS, iPadOS, and Apple TV.

However, as MacRumors pointed out, the beta version is only available for developers, and paired HomePods do not fully perform as expected. Apparently it can play music and video stereo sound, but system sound is still played through the Mac's speakers. It also states that "this feature is not yet stable and working," which is not surprising for a beta test.

The improved stereo pairing support also appears to apply to the HomePod mini, which would be a much more affordable Mac audio setup than using two full-sized HomePods. two HomePods or two HomePod mini can be paired, but the two models cannot be mixed.

There is no official release date for Big Sur 11.3 yet, and it won't be for at least a few weeks, as beta testing has just begun. In the meantime, you can check out the best computer speakers available.