Apple is a company that takes maximum care of the software of its devices, so users are usually used to updating the iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch, however, one of the devices that also has updates from time to time time is the HomePod and HomePod mini, therefore, in this post we want to tell you everything you need to know about Apple speaker software updates.
What is the software of a HomePod?
Initially, the HomePod software was nothing more than a special version of iOS, that is, the iPhone software. However, one of the changes that Apple has been introducing throughout the life of the HomePod is to change the software on which the software of both the HomePod and the HomePod mini is based, currently it is based on the tvOS software. This change makes sense considering in which product range the HomePod is located, much more related to the way in which an Apple TV is used than an iPhone since it is a product designed to be used at home and, above all, for promote the use of domotic products in the home. Although it must be remembered that tvOS is a software that is also based on iOS by or that the change is not really very substantial.
It goes according to iOS and has the same name
Although the Cupertino company decided to base the HomePod software on tvOS, the HomePod updates are more closely tied to those of the iPhone, that is, to those of iOS. So much so, that the name of the updates themselves is the same as the one that iOS brings, although as we have commented it is more based on tvOS.
How often do updates come out
The HomePod software update frequency is not usually the same as that of other versions of Apple’s operating system because the changes that the Cupertino company is introducing to both the HomePod and the HomePod mini are much less compared to the that you introduce in iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, or macOS. Usually Apple usually releases a new version for its speakers every month and a half or two months, which usually come hand in hand with versions that change their number in iOS such as iOS 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 …
What these versions usually bring
Seeing very striking news in the HomePod software is not common, so these updates usually provide greater stability and correction of errors that, as with all versions of all Apple operating systems, come to light when users use that version. However, if it is usual that, during the first versions, the changes are more striking and Apple introduces new functions that are really useful for users.
How to update iOS on HomePod
The way to update both the HomePod and the HomePod mini is the same, and it is also really simple since the steps are quite similar to those you have to follow to update the operating systems of the rest of Apple products. In addition, the HomePod software update can be carried out from any device where you have the Home app, which is the place from which you have to update both the HomePod and the HomePod mini. Here are the steps to follow.
- Open the Home App.
- Click on the House icon that is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Tap on Home Settings
- Swipe the screen until you get to Software update and click on the tab.
- In case you have a pending update, it will appear on this screen so you can update your HomePod software.
Is it the same for HomePod and HomePod mini?
Although they are different devices, even with different chips and technologies, as with other Apple product families such as the iPhone, updates usually arrive at the same time for both products, both the HomePod and the HomePod mini. However, in the event that either of the two exhibits widespread user failure, Apple has the ability to release a specific software version for that HomePod model.
Risks of not updating the speaker
When Apple releases a new version of software, just as we recommend always updating when it comes to the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac, the same goes for the HomePod. After all, software updates are improvements that the Cupertino company introduces to its devices. Despite the fact that aesthetically or functionally they do not entail any changes, internally, both in the operation and in the security of the device, important changes are introduced that make, practically essential, the software update.
Possible failures to update the HomePod
As in all software updates, different errors can occur during the process that can block or cancel the process. We recommend that you carry out the updates ensuring a reliable and good quality internet connection, since on the contrary it may happen that the update process itself stops, or simply throws an error message. More serious would be if the device enters a loop from which it cannot get out or even suffers excessive heating. Therefore, below we want to expose you a series of solutions that you can carry out in case any of these errors appear while trying to update your HomePod.
Try unplugging and plugging the speaker
The first solution, and surely the most common, is to disconnect the HomePod from the power. After all, this is the only way for users of these devices to be able to turn them off, so if you think that during the software update, your HomePod presents an anomalous behavior, we recommend that you disconnect it from the power and after a few minutes, try the update process again.
Restart the iPhone to rule out failures
As we have mentioned before, the HomePod update can be carried out through different devices, however, the most common is to do it through the iPhone. In case you encounter any of the errors mentioned above, it may be that the problem is not with the HomePod or HomePod mini itself, but with the device through which you are updating. In this case, our recommendation is that you restart said device to rule out that the problem comes from itself.
Check if you have a good internet connection
As we have mentioned before, the internet connection is key when it comes to performing not only the HomePod update, but also any software update of any Apple device. So we recommend that, before updating your HomePod, make sure that the internet connection you have offers you enough speed and quality to be able to carry out this process without problems.
