Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.1 With Performance Improvements

[MacRumors]

Alongside iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1, Apple has released new HomePod 26.1 software for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. The updates come almost seven weeks after Apple released the HomePod 26 software.

According to Apple's release notes, HomePod Software 26.1 includes performance and stability improvements.

‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by tapping on the More button, choosing Home Settings, and then selecting the Software Update option.

Article Link: Apple Releases HomePod Software 26.1 With Performance Improvements

 

[ArrayDecay]

I love my HomePods.

 

[F23]

Thanks for still supporting my 2018 HomePods Timmy boy

 

[Wasp14]

Not seeing this when I check for updates on mine, everything else is showing though so maybe I’ll try later.

 

[Rychiar]

so maybe my automation will work right again? they been a mess since 26

 

[navaira]

Please don’t break them again like the 18.x versions until .5 or so… they’ve been working like a charm since 18.5 (or 18.6?) and I’m afraid to update them in case they start stuttering again.

 

[Arytonsenna]

WTF is a homepod?

 

[adamda30]

Well mine is just showing a spinning logo on top after the update.

 

[klasma]

Performance improvements? Good for battery life I guess. /s

 

[splifingate]

WTF is a homepod?

It's a Gateway device.

A device made by Apple that--when the User updates it--fails to work with older software, and eventually knee-caps the User into updating their other devices to recent OS's.

It even plays music on-command (if you subscribe to Apple Music, that is).

 

[AgentOSX]

"I am having trouble reaching your iPhone" has been a mantra since iOS 26 on my HomePods. All of them.

 

[SPG1]

One of my first gen HomePods is stuck on 18.5. Refuses to update. Downloads the update twice then it just acts as if it’s done. Got with Apple support, sent logs, basically they said it was software and to wait. That was months ago. I’ve reset everything 500 times. My other first gen is on 26.1. They work together fine as a stereo pair. This issue is really annoying me.

 

[randomgeeza]

"One moment", "one sec" is all I hear from mine with EVERY command, since os26. Frustrating as hell!

 

[Luba1304]

The ANC got worse. Can't use them like this anymore

 

[chrfr]

The ANC got worse. Can't use them like this anymore

Your HomePod has noise cancellation? Neat!

 

[cardfan]

another chance to brick em.

 

[cardfan]

It's a Gateway device.

A device made by Apple that--when the User updates it--fails to work with older software, and eventually knee-caps the User into updating their other devices to recent OS's.

It even plays music on-command (if you subscribe to Apple Music, that is).

Sometimes it plays music on command. Depends if siri is in the mood.

 

[Alex.ne]

Are OG Homepods having the longest OS support ever from Apple?

 

[adamda30]

Well my first gen is bricked after that update. Loved my HomePod, but moving to a Sonos era 100 instead, never had an issue with my Sonos speakers and can’t justify the expense to buy another HomePod that might be bricked in the future…. Shame

 

[Powerbooky]

Well my first gen is bricked after that update. Loved my HomePod, but moving to a Sonos era 100 instead, never had an issue with my Sonos speakers and can’t justify the expense to buy another HomePod that might be bricked in the future…. Shame

Take a look here

 

[chrfr]

Are OG Homepods having the longest OS support ever from Apple?

The Apple TV HD from 2015 is still getting OS updates so that one is a little ahead.

 

[Allyance]

Updated mine, working fine. I love mine, sits in the front window in the kitchen, great for playing tunes when TV is off. I don’t use Siri, just listen to my playlists.

 

[Allyance]

Your HomePod has noise cancellation? Neat!

No it doesn’t have noise canceling. What it does have are sensors that adjusts the Homepod to the room acoustics. Adjustments are subtle and gradual, they work like a charm. I have owned my own retail audio business and managed two other stores in Toronto. I then switched to professional sound and lighting contracting for 10 years. Extensive experience in sound systems, the Homepod is unique and decent sounding.

 

[chrfr]

No it doesn’t have noise canceling. What it does have are sensors that adjusts the Homepod to the room acoustics. Adjustments are subtle and gradual, they work like a charm. I have owned my own retail audio business and managed two other stores in Toronto. I then switched to professional sound and lighting contracting for 10 years. Extensive experience in sound systems, the Homepod is unique and decent sounding.

Of course the HomePod doesn’t have ANC. I was replying to the person who posted about the ANC having gotten worse… in a thread about HomePods. It was a joke.

 

[fatTribble]

I have automatic updates on and the Home app just says Update Requested.
I thought you could manually updates HomePods 🤔