Apple Releases New HomePod 16.1 Software With Matter Support

[ignatius345]

Who will be the first to risk updating their OG HomePods?

I just checked and apparently mine updated itself already. All seems fine so far.

 

[I7guy]

I just checked and apparently mine updated itself already. All seems fine so far.

Mine as well. Don’t yet see any apparent difference.

 

[Ishimura]

Hello (sorry for my grammar),

I had the same problem with one of my HomePods.

The problem occurs when there are multiple access points, or one access point with enabled 2,4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi in the household (or weak Wi-Fi strength. RSSI -60 to -85 dBm).
The HomePod every X minutes (I don’t know the value of the X) scans the “network” and connects to the strongest signal.
After several connection “attempts” (example: for 10 minutes the 2,4 GHz signal is better, after the 5 GHz one. More access points more “roaming” for the HomePod) the HomePod cannot connect to the Wi-Fi anymore (software glitch?), and only the reboot helps.

What I did: (I have 2 access points). Disabled the 2,4 GHz band on the first AP (the 5 GHz is on) and the TX signal is set to 100%. On the second AP the 2,4 GHz and the 5GHz is on, but the TX signal strength is set to 20%. This way my HomePod stays connected to one AP and one band.

I hope this long and boring explanation will help you.

Hey. Very clear post, thanks.

This probably explains the huge problems I had with a HomePod Mini I bought. I eventually had to return it.

I’m not good with this stuff; could I ask how I would go about setting up a second AP with one Wi-Fi band as per your solution here? How would I do that?

Many thanks.

 

[Ishimura]

Mine as well. Don’t yet see any apparent difference.

Brandon Butch in one of his recent videos noted much improved response times from using HomePod controls on his phone, commands and no more handover delay.

 

[BodrogZs]

Hey. Very clear post, thanks.

This probably explains the huge problems I had with a HomePod Mini I bought. I eventually had to return it.

I’m not good with this stuff; could I ask how I would go about setting up a second AP with one Wi-Fi band as per your solution here? How would I do that?

Many thanks.

Hi!

Sorry for the late response.

Mainly depends on the router (brand and software version). I am still using the the "old" Apple Airport Extreme(s) (tower design) in the household, but with the newer routers (Access Points) the setup is much more easier.

Without knowing what kind of router (AP) you are using, it is hard to explain.

Please give me more information about your router (AP) and I will try to explain it.

 

[fatTribble]

Anybody seeing the "Matter Accessories" menu in Settings > General? I don't. Screenshots of iOS 16.1 while in Beta showed that menu and websites reporting on the release say it's there. I don't have it in my menu.

I’ve been looking for this too. I still don’t see any mention of Matter in Settings.

On a related note, the Eve app does show the Thread network.

 

[ipedro]

I’ve been looking for this too. I still don’t see any mention of Matter in Settings.

On a related note, the Eve app does show the Thread network.

I think it only shows up once you have a Matter device registered in your network. All of my Eve devices are pre-Thread and unlikely Matter and everything else in my home is pending a Matter update (Hue lights, Echo devices, etc).