Your HomePod is much more than a easy speaker — it’s an entire laptop. And like all laptop it has an working system that wants occasional updates. Right here’s how to verify your Apple good speaker has the software program model launched on Tuesday.
Model 17.4 makes it simpler to play media by studying your most popular service.
In the event you rely on automated updates, it’s doable 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 affords macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You would possibly assume the working system for HomePod has the same title. Internally, Apple workers name it audioOS, however that title is rarely used publicly. For everybody else, it’s “HomePod Software program.”
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. (iPhone and iPad updates are normally launched on the similar time, however not at all times. It didn’t occur this time, for instance.) And the model numbers are typically in lockstep. With tvOS 17.4 launching on March 5, it’s additionally time for a HomePod replace.
What’s new in HomePod software program 17.4
Photograph: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
To be present, your Apple good speaker needs to be on HomePod Software Version 17.4. That is true whether or not you personal an authentic HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model is 17.3 from January.
Apple’s release notes describes the brand new characteristic, and properly as promising bug fixes:
“This replace allows Siri to study your most popular media service, so that you not want to incorporate the title of the media app in your request. This replace additionally consists of efficiency and stability enhancements.”
A greater audio expertise is at all times welcome.
Tips on how to replace your HomePod’s software program
You have got the choice to attend for the HomePod to robotically replace itself, however Apple waits a stunning period of time to begin pushing new variations out to customers. You may be certain 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.
- Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display, than choose Residence Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
- Scroll all the way 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 in the event you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Accessible 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 understand 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 method: 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 ready to robotically set up the newest HomePod Software program. In the event you don’t wish to tinker with updating this machine, you by no means have to consider it once more.
Simply bear in mind that automated updates don’t begin instantly. Primarily based on private expertise, it may be a couple of days after the software program launch earlier than your machine will get the replace. In the event you’re somebody who likes to make sure you’re working the newest software program on all of your units, you may at all times go in and request an instantaneous replace by following the steps above. One of the best time to verify is correct after each tvOS replace will get launched.
Or there’s the precise reverse situation. If you’re completely happy along with your HomePod now and don’t wish to take the prospect {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 swap subsequent to HomePod.
You may additionally contemplate doing this for Different Equipment which might be up to date from the Residence software.
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 may be shutting your self off from helpful options coming sooner or later.
Be aware: This text was first revealed in February 2022, and is periodically up to date with new data.
