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HomePod and HomePod mini update automatically by default. To check or install an update yourself, open the Home app on an up-to-date iPhone, iPad, or Mac, then go to More > Home Settings > Software Update. Select Update if one is offered, and keep the speaker plugged into power while it installs. Apple lists HomePod software version 27 as adding Apple Music AutoMix, improved AirPlay performance, bug fixes, and security updates.
How to update HomePod software manually
- Update the iPhone, iPad, or Mac you use to manage your home to the latest iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.
- Open the Home app.
- Choose More, then Home Settings.
- Tap Software Update.
- If an update appears, tap Update.
- Leave HomePod connected to power while it updates. A white spinning light on top indicates that an update is in progress.
If no update is offered, the Software Update screen shows whether HomePod is current and displays its installed software version. Apple’s instructions are at Update HomePod.
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Automatic or manual updates: which should you use?
| Option | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic updates | Enabled by default; HomePod installs software updates automatically. | Convenience when you do not need to choose when an update begins. |
| Manual check | Lets you see the installed version and select Update when an update is listed. | Checking whether an update is available or taking more control over when installation starts. |
To turn automatic updates on or off, open Home > More > Home Settings > Software Update and use the HomePod update control. Apple’s guide covers HomePod software version 27 or later: Change HomePod settings. Apple does not specify a particular rollout time in these instructions.
What new features do HomePod updates add?
Apple’s listed release notes describe features introduced in particular software versions. Feature availability can depend on the HomePod model, paired Apple hardware, or service; the notes do not give a complete compatibility matrix or a region-by-region rollout schedule. Check Apple’s HomePod software update release notes for the current details.
#1 Best Overall
- Premium, immersive, high-fidelity audio
HomePod software version 27
- AutoMix with Apple Music: transitions between songs using time stretching and beatmatching.
- Improved AirPlay performance: for audio shared from iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
- Bug fixes and security updates.
HomePod software version 26
- Apple Music crossfade: fades one song out as the next fades in.
- AirPlay improvements, including the ability to ask Siri to play AirPlay audio on another HomePod in the home.
HomePod software version 18.2
- Apple Music natural-language search.
- Enhance Dialogue on HomePod (2nd generation) when paired with Apple TV 4K.
Earlier releases
Apple’s release notes also document earlier additions such as SharePlay, Matter support, temperature and humidity sensing on HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod mini, and selected Siri and AirPlay improvements. These are examples of features added over time, not a guarantee that every feature works on every model or in every region. Some listed releases contain only performance and stability improvements.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Your favorite music and content – Play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify and others or via Bluetooth throughout your home.
- Alexa is happy to help – Ask Alexa for weather updates and to set hands-free timers, get answers to your questions and even hear jokes. Need a few extra minutes in the morning? Just tap your Echo Dot to snooze your alarm.
- Keep your home comfortable – Control compatible smart home devices with your voice and routines triggered by built-in motion or indoor temperature sensors. Create routines to automatically turn on lights when you walk into a room, or start a fan if the inside temperature goes above your comfort zone.
- Do more with device pairing – Fill your home with music using compatible Echo devices in different rooms, or create a home theatre system with Fire TV.
- Say goodbye to drop-offs and buffering - With eero Built-in, Echo Dot doubles as a mesh wifi extender, adding up to 1,000 sq. ft. of wifi coverage to your existing eero network.
Rank #2
- Features a 4" high-excursion woofer and five beamforming tweeters for deep bass, clear vocals, and detailed room-filling audio.
- Room Sensing technology automatically adjusts sound based on where the speaker is placed.
- Built-in Siri enables voice control for music, reminders, messages, smart home devices, and more.
- Supports AirPlay, Spatial Audio, Thread, Matter smart home control, Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi 4.
- Pair two HomePod speakers for stereo sound or use multiple units for whole-home audio playback.
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