The HomePod working system often wants updating, as a result of the machine is much more than a easy speaker — it’s a pc. Right here’s how to verify your Apple sensible speaker has the software program model launched Monday. HomePod Software program model 18.4.1 is a straightforward bug-fix replace. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless value putting in … who desires bugs?
Should you rely upon automated updates, it’s potential your sensible 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 updates
Apple presents macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You would possibly suppose the working system for HomePod would have an identical identify. Internally, Apple workers name it audioOS, however that identify isn’t used publicly. For everybody else, it’s merely “HomePod Software program.”
It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specifically modified for the sensible speaker. This is smart — each are centered on multimedia playback, help Siri, and don’t have to fret about cellular-wireless connections.
New HomePod Software program variations come out when Apple updates the Apple TV software program. And the model numbers are typically in lockstep. With tvOS 18.4.1 launching on April 16, it’s additionally time for a HomePod replace.
What’s new in HomePod Software program 18.4.1
Picture: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
To be present, your Apple sensible speaker must be on HomePod Software program Model 18.4.1. That is true whether or not you personal an unique HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model, 18.4, got here out in March.
Apple’s launch notes describe adjustments (akin to they’re): “This replace contains efficiency and stability enhancements.”
Should you weren’t conscious, model 18.2 from late 2024 introduced extra important enhancements:
“Siri on HomePod is now built-in with Apple Music pure language search so you may describe what you wish to hear utilizing any mixture of classes like style, temper, decade or exercise.
“Improve Dialogue on HomePod (2nd technology) when paired with Apple TV 4K provides you the choice to listen to speech extra clearly over background sounds utilizing realtime audio processing and machine studying.”
Whereas not each replace brings new options, clearly, it’s useful to maintain your HomePod and iPhone on the identical model numbers.
Find out how to replace your HomePod’s software program
You’ve gotten the choice to attend for the HomePod to mechanically replace itself. Nevertheless, Apple waits a surprisingly very long time to start out pushing new variations out to customers. You may be positive your machine has the newest model in just some steps.
- Open the Residence software in your iPhone
- Faucet on the button for the Residence tab within the decrease left nook of the display.
- Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display, then choose Residence Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
- Scroll all the way down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.
Picture: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
To see in case your machine mechanically up to date, faucet on Up to date Just lately and also you’ll see an outline of the final model launched.
However in the event you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Out there message as an alternative. 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 already know 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 style approach: unplug it then plug it again in. Wait a couple of minutes for the reboot, then look once more for the replace.
You’ll be able to set it to occur mechanically
Graphic: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
By default, your sensible speaker is about to mechanically set up the newest HomePod Software program. Should you don’t wish to tinker with updating your HomePod’s software program, you by no means want to consider it once more.
Simply remember that automated updates don’t begin instantly. Primarily based on private expertise, it may well take a per week or extra after the software program launch earlier than your machine will get the replace. Should you’re somebody who likes to make sure you’re operating the newest software program on all of your units, you may all the time go in and request a right away replace by following the steps above. The most effective time to examine is correct after each tvOS replace will get launched.
Find out how to flip off automated updates
Or there’s the precise reverse state of affairs. In case you are blissful together with your HomePod now and don’t wish to take the possibility {that a} unhealthy software program replace will muck it up, you may flip off automated 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.
- Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display, then choose Residence Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
- Scroll all the way down to Software program Replace and faucet on it
- Within the Computerized Updates part of the display, toggle off the change subsequent to HomePod.
You may also think about doing this for different equipment up to date from the Residence app.
Simply don’t neglect you probably did this. By toggling off automated updates, you’ll by no means obtain one other one till you manually request it. You would possibly shut your self off from helpful options coming sooner or later.
We initially printed this text in February 2022. We replace it periodically with new details about the newest HomePod software program updates.
