Apple will issue software updates for HomePod with important bug fixes, performance improvements, and (hopefully) new features. Here’s how you will update yours.
HomePod doesn’t have a display; there are a few touch-sensitive buttons for controlling media playback, while Siri takes care of everything else. You can’t ask the virtual assistant to update your HomePod software, however.
Here’s how you update HomePod
HomePod runs a custom version of iOS — like Apple Watch or Apple TV — which means it will get updates alongside iOS. In addition to bug fixes and improvements, it’s likely Apple will add new features to Siri (which will be limited at launch) over time.
These updates will be issued and installed through the Home app on iOS, 9to5Mac reports. You’ll get an alert when an update is available, and you’ll be able to issue them to individual HomePods, to every speaker on your network, or to specific stereo pairs.
Photo: 9to5Mac
Apple will offer automatic updates, too — but it’s not yet clear how those will be handled.
HomePod’s first new feature
HomePod’s first big new feature, which will arrive alongside iOS 11.3 this spring, is support for pairing two HomePod speakers for stereo sound. Those who were lucky enough to preview the device early say this setup is a big improvement to an already awesome experience.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
9 responses to “Here’s how you’ll update your HomePod software”
No thanks. I can get ten Echo Dots for the price of one HomePod, and they allow me to drop in on any room in our big house as an intercom system. They’re great for background music for parties we host, and Alexa is WAY smarter than Siri. All this coming from an owner family of two iPhone X’s, one iPad Pro, one iPad Air, two Series 3 Apple Watches, two iPods, one MacBook Pro, and one iMac 4K. We’re Apple lovers here! Just not this overpriced and underfunctional behemoth.
The Homepod is first and foremost a speaker. Saying it is equivalent to a Dot because it also contains a voice assistant is like saying an OLED TV is overpriced compared to a radio, as both let you listen to radio broadcasts.
That said, having a Dot myself, I would love to see similarly-priced Apple voice devices in addition to Homepod. it would be great to have it work in every room (even though I could use Siri on my phone or first-gen Watch.)
Quote for me just ONCE where exactly I said that it was equivalent to a Dot. Enlighten me.
“I can get ten Echo Dots for the price of one HomePod“ is implying equivalence, or its a bit pointless to mention it.
Like “I can get one Echo Dot for the cost of 10 frozen pizzas”
You’re right. It’s a bit pointless for you to mention it. Guilty by implication. If I didn’t say it, then I didn’t say it. So there’s no need to turn it into a misinterpretation onto your part. Read clearly and we avoid such nonsense. :-)
You implied it. That’s how language works
Actually I did no such thing. You misinterpreted it. That’s how illiteracy works.
If you genuinely think the Dot speaker reproduces music at an acceptable quality “for background music for parties”, as you said, then I’m pretty sure you aren’t the target demographic.
I think that’s for me to decide. Take care.