Apple’s iOS 15.4 software adds Dutch as a new Siri language option for HomePod voice recognition in the Netherlands, allowing multiple people to request personal information from Siri without invading the privacy of others.
- With iOS 15.4, HomePod owners in the Netherlands can now use Apple’s digital assistant in their native language (that would be Dutch, thank you)
- iOS 15.4 beta 4 adds a new Dutch voice recognition option for Siri requests on both the discontinued HomePod and the current HomePod mini model
- The feature requires iOS 15.4 and HomePod software version 15.4, which are expected to launch publicly by the middle of March
- Curiously, Apple is yet to launch its Siri-powered speaker in the Netherlands
iOS 15.4 brings HomePod voice recognition in Dutch
With iOS 15.4 and HomePod software version 15.4, people in the Netherlands can now use Siri on their Apple speaker in Dutch, as first discovered by iCulture.nl. This lets up to six different people use Siri on HomePod for requests that reveal personal information, such as sending and receiving messages, creating reminders and more. Read: How to use the Personal Request feature for Siri on Home:Pod
Until now, voice recognition was limited to select English-speaking countries. With iOS 15.4, these languages are available for HomePod voice recognition:
- English in the US, English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the UK
- Dutch in the Netherlands (NEW)
The news is noteworthy because Apple has yet to launch the HomePod mini in the Netherlands. Why bother to implement Dutch voice recognition for Siri on HomePod unless you’re planning on releasing your speaker there soon?
If you live in the Netherlands and have the required software installed on your devices, try asking Siri something in Dutch, like “Hey Siri, who am I?”. With iOS 15.4 and HomePod software version 15.4, Siri will respond with a “You sound like [user name]” or some such. In iOS 15.3 and older, Dutch users would hear “I don’t know who I’m talking to” or something along those lines.
Hankering for a new Siri voice but are in the United States? No problem as iOS 15.4 brings another “American” option via Settings → Siri & Search → Siri Voice.
When will iOS 15.4 launch publicly?
This feature is currently in testing and will remain so for a few weeks.
Thus, only Apple’s developers and public testers can try out Siri on HomePod in Dutch. iOS 15.4, along with other related software updates, should release publicly around the middle of March. If you don’t have those betas installed, wait until iOS 15.4 launches publicly before switching to HomePod voice recognition in Dutch.
What you need to use Siri on HomePod in Dutch
To converse with Siri in Dutch using your Apple speaker, you’ll of course need a HomePod or HomePod mini updated to the latest software. Additionally, you will need both iOS 15.4 and HomePod software version 15.4 for this functionality because Siri on HomePod uses a Siri profile on your iPhone.
- An iPhone updated to the iOS 15.4 software or later
- HomePod or HomePod mini updated to the HomePod software version 15.4+
If you meet these requirements, proceed to the next section.
How to set up HomePod voice recognition in Dutch
To set up HomePod voice recognition in Dutch in the Home app, your iPhone, iPad or Mac must be updated to iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4 or macOS Monterey 12.3.
- Open the Home app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Click the Home icon that looks like a house, then choose “Home Settings”
- Hit your own name underneath the “People” heading
- Touch the option “Recognize my voice” to set up the feature
You must do this on every HomePod or HomePod mini speaker at your home.
How to update your iPhone to iOS 15.4
To update your iPhone or iPod touch to the iOS 15.4 software, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone with iOS 15.4 or later
- Choose “General” from the main list
- Touch the option labeled “Software Update”
- Your iPhone will now check with Apple for any available software updates. If you see the option to update your iPhone to iOS 15.4 or later, accept it by choosing “Download and Install” or “Install Now.”
- Enter your passcode to confirm the operation
Keep in mind that your iPhone must be plugged into power and connected to the internet with Wi-Fi for the over-the-air update to download and install.
How to update HomePod or HomePod mini to the HomePod software version 15.4
To update your HomePod or HomePod mini to the HomePod software version 15.4 or later, use the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac. But first, make sure that your device is updated to iOS 15.4, iPadOS 15.4 or macOS Monterey 12.3.
- Launch the Home app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Hit the “Home” icon that looks like a home, then choose “Home Settings”
- Select “Software Update”
- If automatic updates are turned off, you’ll see a pending update. Choose “Update” to download and install the HomePod software version 15.4 or newer.
The update may take some time to complete but be sure not to unplug the speaker while the update is being applied to it. You’ll see a white spinning on the HomePod top while the speaker is updating. Read: How to set up multiuser on HomePod