The new HomePod 16 software is available for the first time in Apple’s public beta software program and you can download it today. However, at its June WWDC event, Apple didn’t reveal any new features coming to the HomePods with the software update, so it’s probably things under the hood.
In fact, updates are likely to focus on preparations for the arrival of the Matter smart home standard, which will arrive this fall, and support for Apple’s new Home app that will arrive in iOS 16. Along with the Apple TV, the HomePod mini is a hub for Apple’s HomeKit smart home ecosystem and a hub will be needed to use Matter smart home accessories in HomeKit. So you probably just want to give it a spin if you’re testing the public beta software of the Home app on iOS 16.
The new HomePod mini software will help support the Home app in the HomeKit of iOS 16. Image: Apple You can choose which of your HomePod minis runs the public beta on a new Home app setup screen. Image: Apple
Currently, the public beta is only available on HomePod mini speakers. We still don’t know if Apple’s full-size HomePod will be upgraded to 16. To get the software update on your mini, follow these steps:
- Sign up for Apple’s beta program, or sign in if you’re already a member.
- Once you’re signed in, click the Register Your Devices tab in the menu bar.
- Click HomePod Software in the list of software betas.
- If you haven’t yet participated in the beta, you’ll need to sign up for your iPad or iPhone and run the public beta of iOS 16 on one of these devices. (You cannot download HomePod 16 software without an iOS 16 device.)
- Once you have the public beta on your iOS device, go to the Home app, tap the Home icon in the upper left, scroll to Startup Settings, scroll down, and tap Software Update.
- Register the HomePod mini you want in the beta program (you can choose several if you have more than one).
- The HomePod mini will be updated to the latest beta.
- Enable automatic updates (found on the previous screen) to get the latest beta software installed as it deploys.
This is a beta software program, and as such, you may encounter errors or issues. You can download the Apple Feedback Assistant app to submit any issues you encounter. You can also restore your HomePod mini to factory settings using a USB-C cable and a Mac or PC if you no longer want to participate.