iPhoneRT.comAlongside the iOS 16 public beta, Apple released beta HomePod software for the first time. The HomePod software updates that are beta tested are usually limited to a select group of invite-only testers, but that has changed with the HomePod Software 16. This article explains how you can install it on your HomePod mini devices.
Apple hasn’t revealed any possible features coming to the HomePod alongside iOS 16, but that’s not to say there’s nothing new in HomePod Software 16. It could include updates to make HomePods compatible with the Matter smart home standard, set to arrive this fall, or support for Apple’s redesigned Home app in iOS 16. Either way, now you can test it yourself, but you’ll have to install the iOS 16 public beta on your device to do so.
Once you’ve done that, follow these steps to get the HomePod Software 16 update installed on your HomePods.
- Launch the Home app on your device running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16.
- Tap the ellipsis icon (three encircled dots) in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Tap Home Settings.
- Scroll down and select Software Update.
- Tap HomePod Beta Updates.
- Toggle on the switches next to the HomePods that you want to receive the beta software.
The beta software will now automatically be installed on your selected HomePods. Note that according to the public beta website, the HomePod Software 16 beta is only available for the HomePod mini and it cannot be downloaded on the larger HomePod.
