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How to update your HomePod and HomePod Mini: There is a continuous requirement for updates to be made to Apple’s assortment of mobile and mobile-adjacent gear, including the HomePod Mini. The upcoming iOS 16 and its variations for the HomePod, iPad, Apple Watch, and Apple TV are examples of significant releases that occur within the course of the year. In the meantime, however, Apple distributes point updates on a regular basis in order to either add new features or solve bugs.
When it comes to the HomePod and HomePod Mini, the upgrades are not as exciting as they sometimes are, and they do not always include new features that are visible. Nevertheless, those updates are still present and are still being distributed to users currently. In addition to being a basic speaker, your HomePod is actually a whole computer in its own right. Additionally, just like any other computer, it has an operating system that requires upgrades on a regular basis. In order to ensure that your Apple smart speaker is running the software version that was published on Tuesday, here is how to update your HomePod and HomePod Mini.
How to update your HomePod and HomePod Mini
On iPhone or iPad
- Tap the Home tab at the bottom of the Home app when it’s open. There will be a message at the top of the Home screen if there is a software update. Click on Update Available.
- You can also tap the Home button in the upper left corner. This can be done at the bottom from either the Home or Rooms tab. Pick out Home Settings.
- Select Software Update from the list that’s shown.
If you have more than one HomePod, tap “More” to see which one will get the update. The change will be made to all of the HomePods on the list at the same time. - Either tap Update All next to Update Available or tap Update at the bottom next to the HomePod.
- Click “Agree” when you’re done reading the Terms and Conditions. It looks like your HomePod mini is ready to start the update.
Using Your Mac
- Pick out Home on the left side of the Home app when you open it. There will be a message at the top of the Home screen if there is a software update. Click on Update Available.
- You can also click or tap the Home button at the top and choose Home Settings that way.
- After that, pick Software Update.
- If you have more than one HomePod, you can see which ones are getting the update when the Software Update screen comes up. Click on “More” in the bottom right corner. The change will be made to all of the HomePods on the list at the same time.
- Press Update All when it says Update Available or Update at the bottom when you’re ready. Read through the terms and click “Agree.” It looks like your HomePod is ready to start updating.
How to Update Your HomePod or HomePod mini Automatically
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Home app.
- In the upper left area, tap the Home icon. Then, choose Home Settings.
- Then click on Update Software.
- Turn on Updates on Their Own.
Importance of Keeping HomePod Software Updated
- Security: When you update your software regularly, security patches and improvements are often included. This keeps your HomePod safe from possible flaws and creates a safe environment.
- Bug Fixes: Updates fix any bugs or glitches in the system, making your HomePod run better and be more stable overall.
- New Features: Software updates may add new features, functions, or improvements to current ones. This can make using your HomePod more fun and give it more power.
- Compatibility: Updates make sure that your HomePod works with the newest services and devices, so you don’t have to worry about connecting problems.
- Optimised speed: If you keep your HomePod’s software up to date, you can make sure it works at its best, with better speed and responsiveness.
- Better User Interface: Updates may include changes to the user interface that make it easier to understand and use.
- Interoperability: Regular updates help keep your Apple products and services compatible, so they work well with each other in your Apple environment.
Benefits of Regularly Updating HomePod and HomePod Mini
- Improvements to security: Software updates often include security fixes that protect your HomePod and HomePod Mini from possible security holes and make your smart home safer.
- Compatible with New Devices: Regular updates make sure that your HomePod works with the newest Apple products and services. This lets you use new technologies and connect your HomePod to other Apple products without any problems.
- Fixes for bugs: Updates fix known problems and bugs, getting rid of any glitches or speed problems that might have been in older versions of the software.
- Improved Connectivity: New versions of the software may include changes that make it easier to connect to other smart devices and communicate with them.
- Increased Stability: Updating the software on your HomePod makes the system more stable, making it less likely that it will crash or stop working properly.
- Voice Recognition and Siri Improvements: Updates may make Siri, the voice assistant built into HomePod devices, more accurate and responsive, making it easier and more fun for users to connect with them.
- Increased Access to New Services: Some changes may make your HomePod work with new services, apps, or content providers, giving you more choices.
Automatic vs. Manual Updates: Which is Right for You?
| Feature | Automatic Updates | Manual Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Initiating Updates | Updates are initiated automatically when available. | User has to manually initiate the update process. |
| Timing of Updates | Updates occur in the background without user input. | User has control over when to start the update process. |
| Notification | No user intervention required; updates happen silently. | User needs to check for updates and apply them manually. |
| Convenience | Convenient for users who prefer hassle-free updates. | Suitable for users who want more control over updates. |
| Risk of Delayed Updates | Minimal risk of delayed updates as it’s automatic. | Updates may be delayed if the user doesn’t check often. |
| Data Usage | May use data in the background for automatic updates. | Data is used only when the user decides to update. |
| User Engagement | Less user engagement required. | Requires proactive user involvement. |
Conclusion
It is common knowledge that Apple products are renowned for their faultless integration and user-friendly software. Therefore, when a new update is available for your HomePod or HomePod mini, it is typically a straightforward matter of accepting the update and allowing the gadget to carry out its functions. In most cases, the updates are of a minor nature; nevertheless, there are times when they may include new features or problem fixes. Regardless of the circumstances, it is always a good idea to ensure that your HomePod or HomePod mini is always up to date.
Questions and Answers
Additionally, it is not possible to stereo pair a HomePod with a HomePod small, nor is it possible to stereo pair a HomePod from the first generation with a HomePod from the second generation. In addition to this, you will need to check that the two HomePods that you intend to stereo pair are located in the same room.
When you pair your HomePod mini and HomePod (1st generation) with Apple TV 4K, the software version 17.1 adds support for Enhance Dialogue, which allows you to hear spoken words more clearly over effects, action, and music in a movie or television show. Bug fixes and enhancements to the system’s stability are also included in this release.
inside of a single room. On the other hand, you can only pair two, thus if you want them to be stereo matched, you will need to set up two pairs altogether. It would be more convenient for the pairs to only select twice, as opposed to selecting four times, when it comes to air-playing activities.
It is possible to build a stereo pair by utilising two HomePod tiny speakers, two HomePod speakers from the first generation, or two HomePod speakers from the second generation. It is necessary to set both HomePod speakers to the same room in order to create a combination of stereo speakers. Tap a HomePod, which is located within the Home app on your iOS or iPadOS smartphone.