Stereo Homepods 2. Gen + Apple TV Audio Lags/ stuttering IOS 26

Hello everyone,

Since updating to iOS, I've massive problems with my two HomePods (2nd generation), which are configured as speakers for my Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). I also use the HomePods as speakers for normal TV, and eARC is configured accordingly.

When watching TV, but also during a movie via Apple TV, I sporadically experience massive audio lag. The sound stutters for a few seconds before returning to normal. My network is very well set up, both HomePods run exclusively on 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and the signal strength in the Home app is excellent. Both HomePods also have a fixed IP address. The Apple TV is connected to the router via Ethernet. Before iOS 26, everything ran smoothly under iOS 18. So it must be related to the new IOS version.

Does anyone have any ideas or even similar problems? In the current situation, the HomePods are unfortunately unusable...

Thanks!

Best regards