Like other Apple devices, HomePod runs its own software that can be easily updated as soon as new firmware becomes available to download. These updates usually bring new features and bug fixes, ensuring a better experience with your Apple smart speaker.
In this brief tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to download and install the latest software version on your HomePod using your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Update your HomePod
HomePod defaults to automatically installing new updates as they become available. However, you can turn automatic updates off, and manually check for new HomePod firmware. You should also know that automatic updates take time to be pushed and usually happen after three or four weeks of a software version being already available.
HomePod software updates are handled by Apple’s stock Home app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You cannot install new software on your HomePod unless your iOS, iPadOS, or macOS device is signed in with the Apple ID that you used to set up the speaker.
Using iPhone or iPad
Method 1
- Open the Home app and tap the More button.
- Pick Home Settings.
- Tap Software Update.
- Your iPhone or iPad will start checking for HomePod updates. If an update is available, you will see it. Tap Update to download and install it.
Method 2
- Open the Home app and tap your HomePod.
- Keep scrolling down or scroll down a bit past the Now Playing screen and tap the tiny Settings icon from the bottom right.
- If a software update is available, it might appear here. Tap Update to download and install it.
Using Mac
The steps to update your HomePod using your Mac are almost the same as on iPhone and iPad. Here’s a brief recap:
- Open the Home app and click the home icon.
- Pick Home Settings.
- Next, click Software Update to download and install the latest software version for your HomePod.
What to do when HomePod is being updated?
Make sure your HomePod is connected to power. When your HomePod is being updated, a spinning white light appears on the top.
In my experience, the update is fairly quick. It took my HomePod four minutes to install a 1.49 GB update. I updated it from version 14.4 to version 16.0.
See the currently installed software version of your HomePod
Method 1
- Open the Home app and tap your HomePod.
- Scroll down to the bottom, and you will see the software version number.
Method 2
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name from the top.
- Scroll down and tap your HomePod.
- On the next screen, you will see the HomePod software version.
Tapping or clicking the Update option will deploy the most recent software update across all of your HomePod speakers you have set up in your home. While the ability to install a software update on multiple HomePod devices in your home at once saves you from having to update each HomePod individually, it would be nice to have the option to install new software on one of your HomePods and not the others.
Turn off automatic software updates for HomePod
If you’d like to turn off automatic updates for your HomePod, go to the Software Update screen inside the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and toggle off the HomePod switch under Automatic Updates.
Useful HomePod tips: