get the most recent HomePod 18.2 software program replace

Your HomePod is much more than a easy speaker — it’s an entire laptop. And like every laptop 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.

Should you rely upon computerized updates, it’s potential 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 gives macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You would possibly suppose the working system for HomePod has the same title. Internally, Apple staff name it audioOS, however that title is rarely 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 targeted 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 typically 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 must be on HomePod Software program Model 18.2. That is true whether or not you personal an unique HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model is eighteen.1 from October.

Apple’s launch notes describe the pretty intensive adjustments:

“Software program model 18.2 contains bug fixes and stability enhancements.

“Siri on HomePod is now built-in with Apple Music pure language search so you may 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 provides you the choice to listen to speech extra clearly over background sounds utilizing realtime audio processing and machine studying.”

Pure language search can be accessible 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.

replace your HomePod’s software program

You’ve gotten the choice to attend for the HomePod to routinely replace itself, however Apple waits a shocking period of time to start out pushing new variations out to customers. You might be positive your system has the most recent model in just some steps.

1. Open the House utility in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the House 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 House Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.

To test to see in case your system has routinely up to date, faucet on Up to date Just lately and also you’ll get an outline of the final model launched.

However in the event you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Accessible message as an alternative. 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 you already know there’s a brand new model out however the House app doesn’t present it, it’s essential to reboot your HomePod. Do that the old school 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 routinely

By default, your sensible speaker is ready to routinely set up the most recent HomePod Software program. Should you don’t wish to tinker with updating this system, you by no means have to consider it once more.

Simply remember that computerized updates don’t begin instantly. Primarily based on private expertise, it may be a couple of days after the software program launch earlier than your system will get the replace. Should you’re somebody who likes to make certain you’re operating the most recent software program on all of your gadgets, you may all the time go in and request an instantaneous replace by following the steps above. One of the best time to test is true after each tvOS replace will get launched.

Or there’s the precise reverse state of affairs. If you’re completely satisfied together with your HomePod now and don’t wish to take the prospect {that a} dangerous software program replace will muck it up, you may flip off computerized updates. It’s straightforward.

1. Open the House utility in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the House 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 House Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it
5. Within the Computerized Updates part of the display screen, toggle off the change subsequent to HomePod.

You may also think about doing this for Different Equipment which can be up to date from the House utility.

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

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