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How to get the latest HomePod software update

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How to reset HomePod and HomePod mini
Here’s how to be sure you have the latest HomePod software update. Or stop your smart speaker from updating.
Image: Killian Bell/Cult of Mac

Your HomePod is a lot more than a simple speaker — it’s a whole computer. And like any computer it has an operating system that needs occasional updates. Here’s how to make sure your Apple smart speaker has the software version released on Thursday.

Version 16.5 is minor “bug fix” update the promises performance improvements. It follows a more significant new version that brought the return to an upgrade to the underlying architecture of Apple’s HomeKit home-automation system.

If you depend on automatic updates, it’s possible your smart speaker hasn’t yet installed either update. Here’s how to do so manually.

MacUpdater 3 makes software updates effortless

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MacUpdater app on a computer screen
MacUpdater lets you see apps needing updates at a glance. And it can update many of them with one click.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

If you’re tired of the hassle of manually updating your Mac apps, MacUpdater is just what you need. Regardless of how many apps you have or where you got them, MacUpdater is the easiest way to keep them up to date effortlessly — a must for optimal functionality and security.

You can even enjoy a 15% discount with the code CULTOFMACQ1, exclusive for Cult of Mac readers.

Get 15% off MacUpdater 2: It makes software updates effortless

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MacUpdater app on a computer screen
MacUpdater lets you see apps needing updates at a glance. And it can update many of them with one click.
Photo: Leander Kahney/Cult of Mac

If you’ve built up a big collection of Mac apps, especially if they’re from various sources, it’s a chore keeping them up to date for optimal functionality and security. That’s unless you have a stellar utility like MacUpdater.

Now available in version 2.3, MacUpdater makes keeping your software updated effortlessly. And better yet, Cult of Mac readers can get 15% off the software’s price with a special coupon. See below.

Apple re-signs iOS 15.4 to fix Studio Display update issue

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Firmware updates for Studio Displays failed over the weekend but they're fixed now.
Firmware updates for Studio Displays failed over the weekend but they're fixed now.
Photo: Apple

Late last week, Apple stopped signing iOS 15.4 following the release of iOS 15.4.1, making it impossible for users to downgrade their iPhones’ software. But the change also inadvertently stopped people from updating their new Studio Displays’ firmware, based on iOS.

Complaints ensued on Sunday. And before the end of the day, Cupertino re-signed iOS 15.4, making it valid and verifiable to servers again.

Did Apple release the $1,599 Studio Display with so much fanfare only to forget about it when it launched iOS 15.4.1?