How one can get the newest HomePod 17.2 software program replace

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

Model 17.2 is an easy “bug repair” replace, but it surely’s all the time price putting in these. Why put up with bugs? 

For those who depend upon automated updates, it’s attainable your good 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 presents macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You would possibly suppose the working system for HomePod has an identical title. Internally, Apple workers 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 good 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. (iPhone and iPad updates are normally launched on the identical time, however not all the time.) And the model numbers are usually in lockstep. With tvOS 17.2 launching on December 11, it’s additionally time for a HomePod replace.

What’s new in HomePod software program 17.2

To be present, your Apple good speaker needs to be on HomePod Software program Model 17.2. That is true whether or not you personal an unique HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model is 17.1.1 from early November.

Apple’s launch notes are gentle on particulars, simply placing in the usual textual content for a bug repair replace:

“This replace contains efficiency and stability enhancements.”

The character of the issues being fastened is unknown.

How one can replace your HomePod’s software program

You’ve the choice to attend for the HomePod to robotically replace itself, however Apple waits a shocking period of time to begin pushing new variations out to customers. You will be positive your machine has the newest model in just some steps.

1. Open the Dwelling software 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 all the way down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.

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

However for those who 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 you realize there’s a brand new model out however the Dwelling app doesn’t present it, it is advisable reboot your HomePod. Do that the old style manner: 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 robotically

By default, your good speaker is ready to robotically set up the newest HomePod Software program. For those who don’t need 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. Based mostly on private expertise, it may be a number of days after the software program launch earlier than your machine will get the replace. For those who’re somebody who likes to make certain you’re working the newest software program on all of your gadgets, you possibly can all the time go in and request a direct replace by following the steps above. The perfect time to examine is correct after an tvOS replace will get launched.

Or there’s the precise reverse situation. If you’re completely happy along with your HomePod now and don’t need to take the possibility {that a} dangerous software program replace will muck it up, you possibly can flip off automated updates. It’s simple.

1. Open the Dwelling software 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 all the way 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 take into account doing this for Different Equipment which might be up to date from the Dwelling software.

Simply don’t overlook 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 info.