Why won't Apple Music stream to HomePod AND AirPort Extreme simultaneously via AirPlay?

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Why won't Apple Music stream to HomePod AND AirPort Extreme simultaneously via AirPlay?

I have multiple HomePods and an older AirPort Express (Firmware Version 7.8.1).

When I'm playing music with Apple Music I can decide to either play the music through my HomePods OR the AirPort Express (with HiFi boxes connected).

The issue is also described in the following post (some years ago):

Home App / HomePod / Airport Express - Apple Community

When I play to the HomePods I cannod add the music to the AirPort Express, since there's no checkbox. When I click on the AirPort Express the music stops on the HomePods and starts playing on the AirPort Express. The HomePods then become the ones without a checkbox to add the AirPlay streaming in the selection - and vice-versa (when clicking on HomePods the streaming stops on the AirPort Express and starts on the HomePods).

Why is this a limitation? Both HomePods and the AirPort Express are within the same network subnet...

Posted on Dec 30, 2022 8:42 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

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Dec 30, 2022 1:23 PM in response to _R__H_

Only the A1392 version of the AirPort Express is AirPlay 2 compliant in my experience. I have both A1264 and A1392 versions here and AirPlay 2 does not work on the A1264 versions no matter what firmware might be installed.

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Answer 2

John Galt

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Dec 30, 2022 9:47 AM in response to _R__H_

You can use AirPlay to stream audio to multiple sources but only if those devices are AirPlay 2 compliant.

Use AirPlay to stream audio - Apple Support

AirPlay - Apple Developer

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Answer 3

John Galt

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Dec 30, 2022 1:52 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Bob Timmons wrote:

Only the A1392 version of the AirPort Express is AirPlay 2 compliant in my experience.

Out of curiosity, what happens when you try to select an A1264 Express as in my screenshot, using the Music app?

I realize the fact it's working for me doesn't necessarily help anyone else.

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Answer 4

_R__H_ Author

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Dec 30, 2022 9:56 AM in response to John Galt

Thanks for your reply.

Fair enough, but according to About AirPort Base Station Firmware Update 7.8 Information the 802.11n AirPort Express base stations (which my AirPort Express "A1264" is) should have AirPlay 2 with Firmware 7.8.1.

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Answer 5

_R__H_ Author

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Dec 30, 2022 10:09 AM in response to John Galt

I am using macOS Monterey 12.6.2 (21G320) which is the most current available version for my MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016).

Maybe it's like Tesserax wrote in Home App / HomePod / Airport Express - Apple Community that the 7.8.x Firmware is just faulty... (I'd just hoped that Apple would pay attention to this and won't render these devices to electronic garbage)

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Answer 6

John Galt

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Dec 30, 2022 10:11 AM in response to _R__H_

Thanks, let me look into it. I'll have to configure a couple Expresses. I'll let you know.

The only thing I am certain of is the most recent Express (second generation; the "flat, square" one) is AirPlay 2 complaint. Not sure about the A1264.

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Answer 7

John Galt

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Dec 30, 2022 12:50 PM in response to _R__H_

Well, for what it's worth I can simultaneously stream to all the AirPlay devices I happen to have on hand at the moment, including an A1264 Express.

The one labeled AirGo is a "first generation" Express. The other Express is the latest, "second generation" model.

I realize this information may not be helpful to you; unfortunately a HomePod is one of the few Apple devices I don't own 😕 It's much more recent than an A1264 though, and should certainly be AirPlay 2 compliant.

So I have no explanation. Perhaps a router limitation...?

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Answer 8

Dec 30, 2022 2:14 PM in response to John Galt

My mistake. Instead of saying that I have both versions here, I should have said "when" I did have both versions here......

Because I could not get the A1264s to work on AirPlay 2, I gave the A1264s to my son maybe 3-4 years ago.

I did keep the A1392 versions which have worked since day one.

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Answer 9

John Galt

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154,928 points

Dec 30, 2022 10:04 AM in response to _R__H_

Interesting. I erred in assuming the Express was not AirPlay 2 compliant, when in fact it is. Seems to me it should work.

What macOS versions are you using?

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Answer 10

John Galt

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154,928 points

Dec 30, 2022 3:05 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Probably had something to do with the 7.8.1 firmware update. I don't recall when it came out, but I do recall being surprised they updated such an old device.

And this is wrong:

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Why won't Apple Music stream to HomePod AND AirPort Extreme simultaneously via AirPlay?

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