Tips on how to get the newest HomePod 18.2 software program replace

Your HomePod is much more than a easy speaker — it’s a complete pc. And like several pc it has an working system that wants occasional updates. Right here’s how to ensure your Apple sensible speaker has the software program model launched on Wednesday.

Model 18.2 provides pure language assist when utilizing Siri to seek for songs on Apple Music — simply describe what you need.  Plus there are different enhancements and bug fixes.

In case you depend upon automated updates, it’s doable your sensible speaker hasn’t but put in the replace. Right here’s how to take action manually.

A little bit of background on HomePod Software program

Apple affords macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You would possibly suppose the working system for HomePod has the same identify. Internally, Apple workers name it audioOS, however that identify isn’t used publicly. For everybody else, it’s “HomePod Software program.”

It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specifically modified for this sensible speaker. This is sensible — each are centered on multimedia playback, assist Siri, and don’t have to fret about cellular-wireless connections.

And new HomePod Software program variations come out when Apple TV is up to date. And the model numbers are usually in lockstep. With tvOS 18.2 launching on December 11, it’s additionally time for a HomePod replace.

What’s new in HomePod software program 18.2

To be present, your Apple sensible speaker needs to be on HomePod Software program Model 18.2. That is true whether or not you personal an authentic HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model is eighteen.1 from October.

Apple’s launch notes describe the pretty intensive modifications:

“Software program model 18.2 consists of bug fixes and stability enhancements.

“Siri on HomePod is now built-in with Apple Music pure language search so you possibly can describe what you wish to hear utilizing any mixture of classes like style, temper, decade or exercise.

“Improve Dialogue on HomePod (2nd technology) when paired with Apple TV 4K offers you the choice to listen to speech extra clearly over background sounds utilizing realtime audio processing and machine studying.”

Pure language search can be obtainable within the Apple Music and Apple TV apps on iPhone with iOS 18.2.

Whereas not each replace brings new options, it’s useful to maintain your HomePod and iPhone on the identical model quantity.

Tips on how to replace your HomePod’s software program

You might have the choice to attend for the HomePod to mechanically replace itself, however Apple waits a shocking period of time to start out pushing new variations out to customers. You could be certain your machine has the newest model in only a few steps.

1. Open the Dwelling utility in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the Dwelling tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
3. Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, than choose Dwelling Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.

To verify to see in case your machine has mechanically up to date, faucet on Up to date Lately and also you’ll get an outline of the final model launched.

However should you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Out there message as a substitute. There’ll be an Replace All button subsequent to this. Press it to see what the brand new model is and begin the set up course of.

If there’s a brand new model out however the Dwelling app doesn’t present it, you might want to reboot your HomePod. Do that the old style approach: unplug it then plug it again in. Wait a couple of minutes for the reboot then look once more for the replace.

Set HomePod to (not) replace mechanically

By default, your sensible speaker is ready to mechanically set up the newest HomePod Software program. In case you don’t wish to tinker with updating this machine, you by no means have to consider it once more.

Simply bear in mind that automated updates don’t begin instantly. Primarily based on private expertise, it may be just a few days after the software program launch earlier than your machine will get the replace. In case you’re somebody who likes to make certain you’re working the newest software program on all of your units, you possibly can all the time go in and request a right away replace by following the steps above. The most effective time to verify is true after each tvOS replace will get launched.

Or there’s the precise reverse situation. In case you are blissful together with your HomePod now and don’t wish to take the prospect {that a} unhealthy software program replace will muck it up, you possibly can flip off automated updates. It’s simple.

1. Open the Dwelling utility in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the Dwelling tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
3. Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, then choose Dwelling Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it
5. Within the Automated Updates part of the display screen, toggle off the change subsequent to HomePod.

You may additionally think about doing this for Different Equipment which are up to date from the Dwelling utility.

Simply don’t neglect you probably did this. By toggling off automated updates, you’ll by no means obtain one other one till you manually request it. You is perhaps shutting your self off from helpful options coming sooner or later.

Be aware: This text was first printed in February 2022, and is periodically up to date with new data.