July 11
José Adorno
– Jul. 11th 2022 11:08 am PT
@joseadorno
Apple is seeding the first public beta of HomePod Software 16 for the HomePod mini. While OG HomePod owners won’t be able to try the beta version now, the software will be available later this fall to all Apple smart speakers owners. This release comes alongside the revised build of iOS 16 and macOS 13 Ventura, and the public beta versions of all the upcoming operating systems Apple is readying for later this fall.
To install HomePod Software 16 public beta, users need a HomePod mini and either an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16. From your device of choice, go to the Home App > Home Settings > Software Update > HomePod Beta Updates and enroll the HomePod mini you want on the Beta program.
Your HomePod mini will automatically receive the latest public beta software if you have Automatically Update turned on in the Software Updates settings. To manually check for updates, go to Home App > Home Settings > Software Update. You can learn how to enroll your iPhone on iOS 16 here.
As 9to5Mac‘s Filipe Espósito previously noted, in order to choose which HomePods will receive beta software, you just have to enable the individual toggle for each speaker. Then it should get the beta update. Turning off the toggle will stop that HomePod from receiving beta updates.
As of now, it’s unclear what HomePod Software 16 public beta brings. Although it’s a modified version of tvOS 16, the new features available to the Apple TV will not be available to your HomePod.
Here are tvOS 16 top features coming to Apple TVs later this fall:
There are a few reasons why Apple is making HomePod Software 16 public beta available only for the mini models as the original HomePod got discontinued last year. One of which is that it’s easier to restore your HomePod mini if anything goes wrong, while if you brick your original HomePod, well, you’re out of luck.
If you spot any changes in HomePod Software 16 public beta or the other betas from Apple today, let us know in the comments below or on Twitter @9to5Mac. Stay tuned for our full hands-on coverage with the releases right here at 9to5Mac if we find anything new.
Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
HomePod is Apple’s effort to “reinvent home music" and features a 7 tweeter array, a 4-inch woofer and is powered by Apple’s A8 chip. The device acts as a standalone way for users to interact with Siri, Apple Music, and more.
@joseadorno
Brazilian tech Journalist. Author at 9to5Mac. Previously at tv globo, the main TV broadcaster in Latin America.
Got tips, feedback, or questions? jose@9to5mac.com
iPhone 15: What the early rumors say
Diary: iPhone 14 Pro Max video capabilities
Subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily!
iPhone SE 4: Apple still undecided on features