Apple this week rolled out an emergency iOS 13.2.1 update for HomePod. The 25MB release comes just days after iOS 13.2, which was bricking HomePod speakers for some unlucky users.
After Apple put much of its focus into eliminating bugs and performance issues with iOS 12 last year, it then rolled out iOS 13 last month and undid all that good work.
The most recent update has been littered with all kinds of issues since its debut. One of its most serious problems has left HomePod speakers unusable for many.
iOS 13.2.1 (hopefully) won’t kill your HomePod
Apple was forced to pull iOS 13.2 shortly after its release as a result of the issue. It also advised HomePod owners who had already updated not to reset or remove their speakers from the Home app.
Doing so could cause HomePod to stop working altogether. The speaker would not respond — even when trying to restore to factory settings. Apple advised affected users to contact Apple Support.
Now a new update is out that should allow HomePods to be updated without being turned into a pricey paperweight. The changes are the same, which means you can look forward to the following:
- The ability for HomePod to recognize the voices of different family members to provide a personalized experience
- Hand off music, podcasts or phone calls by bringing your iPhone close to HomePod
- Add music to your HomeKit scenes
- Play relaxing high-quality soundtracks with Ambient Sounds
- Set sleep timers to fall asleep to music or Ambient Sounds
You can download iOS 13.2.1 for HomePod through the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac. At just 25MB, it should take long to install. Note that you will only see this release if you own a HomePod.
