The new HomePod 16 software is available in Apple’s public beta software program for the first time, and you can download it today. However, at June’s WWDC event, Apple didn’t reveal any new features coming to HomePods with the software update, so it’s probably all about under-the-hood stuff.
In fact, it’s likely that all the updates will be focused on preparing for the arrival of the Matter smart home standard — which should arrive this fall — and support for Apple’s all-new Home app coming in iOS 16. Along with the Apple TV, the HomePod mini is a hub for Apple’s HomeKit smart home ecosystem and will require a hub to use Matter smart home accessories in HomeKit. So you probably only want to go with this if you’re trying out the public beta software of the Home app in iOS 16.
New software in the HomePod mini will help you support the Home app in HomeKit on iOS 16. Image: Apple You can choose which of your HomePod minis will run the public beta in a new settings screen in the Home app. Image: Apple
The public beta is currently only available for HomePod mini speakers. We still don’t know if Apple’s discontinued full-sized HomePod will be updated to 16. To get the software update on your mini, follow these steps:
- Sign up for the Apple Beta Program or sign in if you’re already a member.
- Once logged in, click the Register Your Devices tab in the menu bar.
- Click HomePod Software in the list of software betas.
- If you haven’t already participated in the beta, you’ll need to register your iPad or iPhone and run the iOS 16 public beta on one of those devices. (You cannot download the HomePod 16 software without an iOS device running iOS 16.)
- Once you have the public beta on your iOS device, go to the Home app, tap the Home icon in the upper-left corner, go to Home Settings, scroll down, and tap Software Update.
- Register the HomePod mini you want in the beta program (you can choose multiple if you have more than one).
- HomePod mini will update to the latest beta version.
- Turn on automatic updates (found on the previous screen) to get the latest beta version of the software installed when it becomes available.
This is a beta software program and as such you may encounter bugs or issues. You can download the Apple Feedback Assistant app to submit any issues you encounter. You can also factory reset your HomePod mini using a USB-C cable and a Mac or PC if you no longer want to participate.
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