The 15.5.1 update fixes issues where music could stop playing on Apple's HomePod or the Siri speaker may lose its deep bass after a short time.
HomePod
Apple could launch a new HomePod, but don’t expect a radical redesign
Apple is rumored to release an updated HomePod model in 2022 or 2023, but there may not be much innovation in hardware design for the Siri wireless speaker.
Tidal music service picks up Siri integration but not on HomePods
You can now ask Apple's Siri assistant to play songs and navigate music using the Tidal service on your iPhone or iPad, but it doesn't work with Siri on your HomePod.
An Apple smart soundbar with a FaceTime camera plus HomePod and Apple TV functionality is allegedly still in the works
Apple continues to work on a smart soundbar that would have a FaceTime camera for video calls and provide HomePod and Apple TV functionality.
iOS 15.5 brings HomePod Wi-Fi signal bars and critical alerts to the Home app
Apple's iOS 15.5 software adds HomePod Wi-Fi signal bars to the Home app, which also now features a notification for critical alerts.
HomePod update 15.4.1 makes HomeKit devices respond to Siri voice commands
The newly released HomePod software 15.4.1 fixes Siri voice commands not working with some smart appliances that are compatible with Apple's HomeKit platform.
HomePod mini is now available in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Belgium
Apple's Siri-powered HomePod mini smart speaker with HomeKit is now available to purchase in the Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium, in all colors.
iOS 15.4 brings HomePod voice recognition in Dutch but Apple hasn’t launched its Siri speaker in the Netherlands yet
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.
A pretty smart way to join annoying captive Wi-Fi networks is coming soon to HomePod
Apple is bringing captive Wi-Fi support to HomePod with a pretty smart way to join captive Wi-Fi networks that need additional sign-in steps, like at hotels or dorms.
HomePod software 15.3 extends Siri multiuser support to additional countries
Updating your Apple wireless speaker to software version 15.3 will let you set up HomePod multiuser with Siri voice recognition in additional countries and languages.
Apple almost released a portable, battery-powered HomePod for use outdoors
Apple has allegedly prototyped (but never turned into a final product) a portable version of its HomePod speaker for outdoor use that ran on battery power.
HomePod mini may launch soon in Norway, Sweden, Belgium, and four other countries
The HomePod mini, Apple's only smart speaker anymore, is available in a variety of different countries across the globe. However, there are still some regions that need coverage. And word on the street is that Apple is looking to launch in seven new countries pretty soon.