Apple is sowing the first public beta of HomePod 16 software for the HomePod mini. While OG HomePod owners won’t be able to test the beta version now, the software will be available later this fall for all Apple smart speaker owners. This version is accompanied by the revised version of iOS 16 and macOS 13 Ventura, and public beta versions of all upcoming operating systems that Apple is preparing for this fall.
To install the public beta version of HomePod Software 16, users need a HomePod mini and an iPhone or iPad with iOS 16 or iPadOS 16. From the device you choose, go to the Home app> Home Settings> Software Update> HomePod Beta Updates and register the HomePod mini you want in the Beta program.
Your HomePod mini will automatically receive the latest public beta software if you have automatic update turned on in the Software Updates setting. To manually check for updates, go to Startup Application> Startup Settings> Software Update. You can learn how to register your iPhone on iOS 16 here.
As Filipe Espósito of 9to5Mac noted earlier, to choose which HomePods will receive the beta software, you only need to activate the individual switch for each speaker. You should then receive the beta update. If you turn off the switch, the HomePod will not receive beta updates.
At this time, it is unclear what the public beta of HomePod Software 16 brings. Although it is a modified version of tvOS 16, the new features available for Apple TV will not be available on your HomePod.
These are the main features of tvOS 16 that will arrive on Apple TV later this fall:
- Compatibility with Nintendo Switch drivers: tvOS 16 will finally support the Joy-Cons and Nintendo Switch Pro driver. We present this story here at 9to5Mac. Apple says that “the game controller supports many additional Bluetooth and USB game drivers” from tvOS 16;
- HDR10 + support: the latest generation of high dynamic range technology will be compatible with the Apple TV application on tvOS 16;
- Video forwarding on the Apple TV + tab: Rich video previews at the top of the Apple TV + tab help users discover their next favorite Apple Original;
- Apple Fitness +: With tvOS 16, at key times in training, intensity metrics are displayed and will appear on the screen as motivation. The intensities are Easy, Moderate, Difficult and All Out.
There are some reasons why Apple makes the public beta version of HomePod Software 16 available only for mini models, as the original HomePod was discontinued last year. One of them is that it is easier to restore your HomePod mini if something goes wrong, whereas if you put your original HomePod, you are out of luck.
If you spot any changes in the public beta of HomePod Software 16 or other Apple betas today, let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @ 9to5Mac. Stay tuned for our full hands-on coverage with releases right here at 9to5Mac if we find anything new.
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