Your HomePod is much more than a easy speaker — it’s a complete pc. And like all pc it has an working system that wants occasional updates. Right here’s how to ensure your Apple good speaker has the software program model launched on Monday.
Model 18 provides assist for SharePlay to HomePod so visitors in your house pays their music on the speaker.
In case you rely upon computerized updates, it’s potential your good speaker hasn’t but put in the replace. Right here’s how to take action manually.
A little bit of background on HomePod Software program
Apple presents macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You may assume the working system for HomePod has an analogous identify. Internally, Apple staff name it audioOS, however that identify isn’t used publicly. For everybody else, it’s “HomePod Software.”
It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specifically modified for this good speaker. This is smart — each are targeted on multimedia playback, assist Siri, and don’t have to fret about cellular-wireless connections.
And new HomePod Software program variations come out when Apple TV is up to date. And the model numbers are typically in lockstep. With tvOS 18 launching on September 16, it’s additionally time for a HomePod replace.
What’s new in HomePod software program 18
Photograph: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
To be present, your Apple good speaker must be on HomePod Software program Model 18. That is true whether or not you personal an authentic HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model is 17.6 from July.
Apple’s launch notes describe the modifications:
“Software version 18 introduces SharePlay so you can share control of your Apple Music playlist on iPhone or iPad and guests can contribute to what’s playing on HomePod. This update also includes bug fixes and stability improvements.”
Not each replace brings new options, however this one is an exception. And it’s additionally useful to maintain your HomePod and iPhone on the identical model quantity.
Tips on how to replace your HomePod’s software program
You’ve got the choice to attend for the HomePod to robotically replace itself, however Apple waits a shocking period of time to start out pushing new variations out to customers. You could be positive your machine has the newest model in only a few steps.
- Open the Residence software in your iPhone
- Faucet on the button for the Residence tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
- Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, than choose Residence Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
- Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.
Photograph: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
To verify to see in case your machine has robotically up to date, faucet on Up to date Just lately and also you’ll get an outline of the final model launched.
However when you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Obtainable message as a substitute. There’ll be an Replace All button subsequent to this. Press it to see what the brand new model is and begin the set up course of.
If you recognize there’s a brand new model out however the Residence app doesn’t present it, you’ll want to reboot your HomePod. Do that the old school means: unplug it then plug it again in. Wait a couple of minutes for the reboot then look once more for the replace.
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
Set HomePod to (not) replace robotically
By default, your good speaker is about to robotically set up the newest HomePod Software program. In case you don’t need to tinker with updating this machine, you by no means have to consider it once more.
Simply remember that computerized updates don’t begin instantly. Based mostly on private expertise, it may be just a few days after the software program launch earlier than your machine will get the replace. In case you’re somebody who likes to make sure you’re operating the newest software program on all of your gadgets, you’ll be able to at all times go in and request a right away replace by following the steps above. The perfect time to verify is correct after each tvOS replace will get launched.
Or there’s the precise reverse state of affairs. If you’re joyful together with your HomePod now and don’t need to take the possibility {that a} unhealthy software program replace will muck it up, you’ll be able to flip off computerized updates. It’s simple.
- Open the Residence software in your iPhone
- Faucet on the button for the Residence tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
- Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, then choose Residence Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
- Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it
- Within the Automated Updates part of the display screen, toggle off the change subsequent to HomePod.
You may also contemplate doing this for Different Equipment which are up to date from the Residence software.
Simply don’t neglect you probably did this. By toggling off computerized updates, you’ll by no means obtain one other one till you manually request it. You is perhaps shutting your self off from helpful options coming sooner or later.
Be aware: This text was first printed in February 2022, and is periodically up to date with new data.