Apple Releases tvOS 16.3.1 and HomePod 16.3.1 Software Updates

[Tyler O'Bannon]

Please god say this fixes some of the HomeKit and Apple TV remote issues.

Just restored both of my HomePod minis via connecting to my Mac, and they are both configuring. They haven’t worked right for 2 months now since doing the HomeKit upgrade that was pulled. I have restored them via Mac so many times.

Edit: I've done every form of reset and restore on them multiple times. Ever since the HomeKit architecture upgrade (December I think?) they have never gotten past "Configuring" in Home app. If anyone has had success getting past this, please share. I've tried everything. I haven't been able to use them as a stereo pair since then either (which is how I have used them 100% of the time for 2 years). I was hopeful that I 16.3 and today 16.3.1 would fix it. I will update this if it does. Until then, any help is appreciated.

 

[jamesnajera]

What about iOS 16.3.1?

Seriously, it seems like only in the minor releases does Apple fix phone calls from cell to Wi-Fi calling and the Apple TV Remote.

 

[User 6502]

You'll have to be more specific... There's a lot to choose from!

I am referring to the issues introduced with the new architecture. Many of us still can’t invite other people to share control of the home, and some devices randomly lose connection.

 

[mikegoldnj]

Use your phones. It's a bluetooth issue. Or move your Apple TV.

True. I was having issues with the remote when my Apple TV was mounted behind my television. Moved the ATV to a shelf below the TV and all issues disappeared.

 

[Realityck]

Apple today released new tvOS 16.3.1 and HomePod 16.3.1 software updates, with the software coming two weeks after the tvOS 16.3 and HomePod 16.3 updates were released.

Always have to figure out if anything changed with tvOS though usage with apps. Not having issues with bluetooth remote pairing. Yes the ATV should be in a location where equipment doesn't block or interfere with bluetooth operation.

 

[anzio]

Hallelujah! Hopefully it fixes first generation HomePods needing to be asked twice to perform any command.

Didn’t fix it here for us

 

[verniesgarden]

View attachment 2154494
I love how ”HomePod” all lined up like an Apple poem on my XS Max’s screen.

Say HomePod again, I dare you! Say HomePod one more time!

definitely feels like some arthouse poetry slam thing
"HomePod HomePod HomePod... Home APP!... HomePod..."

 

[sjsharksfan12]

I'm afraid to apply the HomePod app update. Last time it took about 45 minutes. Also, why isn't there an update progress bar? The spinning circle doesn't help and tells you much.

Updating the Homepod has always been confusing. Only the watch is worse.

 

[pirhy]

Threre is still issue with lagging or not responding Apple TV Siri Remote 2022 USB-C version.

 

[Michaelhuisman]

I was hoping they'd fix automations for the newly activated temp sensors.

Can set time, but not days of week...

They also take the trigger temp falls below, or goes above condition very literally. Try setting an automation that activates at 3 a.m., that says if the temp falls below 65F, turn something on. Well, if it's already 64F at 3 a.m., it won't trigger. It should be "if temp is under 65" whether it falls below 65 or already is under 65 when the condition to test becomes active.

No change. Two ATVs and eight HomePod minis. Already over on new infrastructure - not convinced that all of these devices truly have the same "blueprint" from which to work and operate the home...

Hmmm....

 

[upandown]

Is this update for the minis? OG found the update just fine but the minis don’t show it.

Nevermind. The Home app never stated it was downloading or updating the Minis but they were in fact updated. Also no record of recently updated for the Minis.

 

[jwolf6589]

Great update…
OG Homepods

1 is stuck in an update loop the other cannot authenticate on AppStore.

GJ Apple…

Works fine for me.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

there is no hope for the Apple TV, it's fubar

 

[tywebb13]

Updating the Homepod has always been confusing. Only the watch is worse.

Have you ever tried updating airpods or airtags? I think they are much worse.

 

[bakerzdosen]

I was hoping this would fix my "There was a problem completing your request, try again in a moment" issues, but I just got one after updating all of my HomePods and ATVs.

 

[AJTC]

One of my Minis isn’t working at all after this update.

I had to reset both and set up from scratch again. But “it just works”…

 

[valgonzarp]

Do you have Location Services turned off from your Home settings screen?

No, should I turn that off?

 

[benoit79]

I did install the update 16.3.1 on all my 11 HomePod minis and my 2nd generation HomePod. So far I can't say that I see any improvement. I asked Siri to Pearl Jam essentials on all the HomePods located in my main zone and the music only played on the HomePod that got my request.

Then I used my iPad Air latest generation to play the music on all the selected HomePods. It slowly started to play on some, but I had to wait several minutes for the music to start on all HomePods.

I'll continue to play with them, but so far I don't see any improvement. Hopefully they are still configuring and tomorrow they will work better.

Personally upgrading to HomePod OS 16 was a huge mistake. Since then I've been having a lot of issues with my HomePods…

 

[Kissmo1980]

Works fine for me.

Did not for me.
I ended up having to reset the homepods.
1 remained stuck in an update loop and the other one would not accept the password to sign in to Apple….


They work now, and I can feel faster response from Siri and it’s not placebo - Spatial audio is a lot more audible

 

[xpxp2002]

Ok, so here's a new bug since tvOS/audioOS 16.3:

On my Apple TV 4K (1st gen) paired with a stereo pair of HomePod minis. All updated to 16.3.1.

When I mute the audio, it doesn't actually mute. The indicator says it's muted, but it's not. I confirmed the TV's speakers are muted. But I still have all sounds, including navigation clicks and actual media audio, coming out of the HomePods. When I unmute, the indicator increases, but the audio level does not change. If I mute again, the audio level doesn't change.

I think the 16.3.x code path may have the most number of annoying bugs I've encountered since the watchOS bug some years ago that caused it to fail to clear some acknowledged notifications from the iPhone.

 

[wwinter86]

Still has the issue with the Homepods saying your Apple ID password is wrong when you have the Advanced Data Protection feature turned on for your account.

 

[currentinterest]

So far, all five HomePods, and two minis updated with no problems. Apple TVs working well also. I can get any (or all) HomePod to play via Siri from any HomePod. Most of the time a single request is all that is required. When it doesn’t work it usually because I am slurring my words.

 

[nutmac]

No, should I turn that off?

No, you should keep it on. Turning HomeKit's location services off is one of the symptoms of your phone's Home background operation.

 

[_Spinn_]

I guess I was lucky. 16.3 was fine for me.

I wish Apple would let me update my Apple TVs through the Home app like I can with the HomePods. Also I would love to see the Hone app come to the Apple TV.

 

[scottlitch]

Did 16.3.1 reintroduce the ability to upgrade to the new Home architecture? I was fortunate to have upgraded with no problems when 16.2 was released. I'm wondering if it will require those of us who already upgraded to do so again, or it will just be a bug fix update.