iTunes 12.7.3 brings Up Next support to HomePod via improved AirPlay menu

HomePod is arriving in less than three weeks and Apple is releasing advance software support for the $349 Siri-powered speaker ahead of its scheduled launch on Friday, February 9.

iTunes 12.7.3 for Mac and Windows is now available with support for HomePod.

To update iTunes to the latest available version, click the Updates tab within Mac App Store or choose Check for Updates from the iTunes menu.

“iTunes is now designed to work with HomePod,” says the official changelog.

For HomePod owners, iTunes provides an improved AirPlay volume control menu letting them choose their HomePod and control what plays next with their Apple Music subscription.

iOS 11.2.5, which released today with HomePod support and other new features and important security fixes, includes a redesigned AirPlay menu via Control Center’s Music widget. Pressing the audio icon with 3D Touch now shows all detected playback sources in separate tiles.

This lets you play some music or other audio on another device like Apple TV or your AirPlay-enabled home theater and control it separately from your iPhone.