Your HomePod is much more than a easy speaker — it’s a complete pc. And like every pc it has an working system that wants occasional updates.

Right here’s how to verify your Apple sensible speaker has the newest software program model. There’s a brand new model out that provides help for the Matter home-automation customary, and also you don’t wish to miss out.

A little bit of background on HomePod Software program

Apple presents macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You would possibly suppose the working system for HomePod has an identical title, like possibly homepodOS. Nope. It’s known as “HomePod Software program.”

It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specifically modified for this sensible speaker. This is smart — each are centered on multimedia playback, help Siri, and don’t have to fret about cellular-wireless connections.

And new HomePod Software program variations usually come out when Apple TV is up to date. iPhone and iPad updates are normally launched on the similar time. And the entire model numbers are in lockstep.

Tips on how to replace your HomePod’s software program

Presently, your Apple sensible speaker ought to be on HomePod Software program Model 16.1. That is true whether or not you personal an authentic HomePod or HomePod mini. The brand new model debuted on October 24, on the identical day as tvOS 16.1.

Apple’s launch notes point out this can be a vital replace: “Software program model 16.1 provides help for Matter, the brand new sensible house connectivity customary that allows all kinds of sensible house equipment to work collectively throughout ecosystems.” Matter not too long ago debuted and can allow equipment to help Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa and Google House.

It’s been a number of days for the reason that HomePod replace turned accessible, however don’t assume your gadget has already mechanically up to date. Apple waits to start out pushing OS updates out to customers for a shocking period of time. You may be certain your gadget has the newest model in just some steps.

1. Open the House software in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the House tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
3. Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, than choose House Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.

To examine to see in case your gadget has mechanically up to date, faucet on Up to date Not too long ago and also you’ll get an outline of the final model launched.

However in the event you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Accessible 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.

Set HomePod to (not) replace mechanically

By default, your sensible speaker is about to mechanically set up the newest HomePod Software program. When you don’t wish to tinker with updating this gadget, you by no means have to consider it once more.

Simply remember that automated updates don’t begin instantly. Based mostly on private expertise, it may be a number of days after the software program launch earlier than your gadget will get the replace. When you’re somebody who likes to make certain you’re working the newest software program on all of your units, you’ll be able to all the time go in and request a direct replace by following the steps above. One of the best time to examine is true after an tvOS or iOS replace will get launched.

Or there’s the precise reverse state of affairs. If you’re completely satisfied along with your HomePod now and don’t wish to take the possibility {that a} dangerous software program replace will muck it up, you’ll be able to flip off automated updates. It’s straightforward.

1. Open the House software in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the House tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
3. Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, then choose House Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it
5. Within the Automated Updates part of the display screen, toggle off the swap subsequent to HomePod.

You may also think about doing this for Different Equipment which are up to date from the House software.

Simply don’t overlook you probably did this. By toggling off automated updates, you’ll by no means obtain one other one till you manually request it. You could be shutting your self off from helpful options coming sooner or later.

Notice: This text was first printed in February 2022, and is periodically up to date with new info.