HomePod Updates Will Be Installed Over-the-Air Using the Home App

[MacRumors]

When the HomePod launches, it will receive regular updates much like Apple's iOS devices, Macs, Apple TVs, and Apple Watch models. Apple hasn't shared details on how these updates will be installed, but some digging into the iOS code by 9to5Mac has revealed that updates will be available via Apple's dedicated Home app for HomeKit devices.

As we learned before the launch of the HomePod, the speaker runs a version of iOS, and it's actually a lot like an iPhone sans display. Because it's running an iOS variant, we can expect the HomePod to receive updates right alongside iOS devices.

Apple employees have been testing the HomePod for months, and in that time, Apple has released several software updates for the device. The latest updates have indeed coincided with iOS releases, and the last HomePod software update came when iOS 11.2.5 was released. When it launches on February 9, the HomePod will likely be running its own dedicated version of iOS 11.2.5.

When a new software update is released for the HomePod, users will receive an alert and will likely be directed to the Home app to install it, similar to how Apple Watch updates are installed through the Watch app. HomePod will be listed as an available HomeKit device in the Home app.

HomePod update screenshot via 9to5Mac​

As with the Apple TV, there will be a setting to enable automatic HomePod updates, and updates will be available for either a single HomePod or multiple HomePods if you have more than one.

The first update to the HomePod may be iOS 11.3, and that update is expected to introduce key features Apple wasn't able to make available ahead of its launch. When the HomePod launch date was announced, Apple said multi-room audio and support for pairing two or more HomePods together for stereo sound, two features requiring the not-yet-implemented AirPlay 2 protocol, would come in an update set to be released later this year.

Apple implemented AirPlay 2 features in iOS 11.3, which suggests we won't be waiting too long to see new functionality in the HomePod. iOS 11.3 is expected to see a spring launch, which means anytime between March 20 and June 21, if we're going by the dates for spring 2018 in the Northern Hemisphere.

HomePod is available for purchase from Apple for $349, and the first HomePod orders will be in the hands of customers on February 9, the official launch date for the device.

Over the course of the last week, we've learned several new details about the HomePod from hands-on first impressions and additional information released by Apple, so make sure to check out our HomePod roundup for an updated overview of the speaker with everything you need to know about it.

Article Link: HomePod Updates Will Be Installed Over-the-Air Using the Home App

 

[applesith]

Waiting for Airplay 2 and multi speaker setup is stupid. They already delayed the hardware itself.

 

[Mike MA]

I like the idea to see HomePod getting more mature and receiving additional features with the upcoming updates. Let‘s see what will come next.

 

[MAcNIAC]

So can you use HomePod as a siren via the home app if you’ve got motion detectors and iftttt ?

 

[Wildkraut]

W00t, that expensive, and not even stereo sound... bwaahaha

 

[rafark]

From what app? mac or iPhone?

 

[TheHammer]

Waiting for Airplay 2 and multi speaker setup is stupid. They already delayed the hardware itself.

Inconvenient yes, not stupid. Stupid would be releasing it when it’s enabled but not working due to lack of testing and quality assurance.

I’m happier to wait for a working product rather than one that’s not

 

[Ploki]

wow, stereo has become an additional purchase feature. way to go apple, sending us back to 1920s.

 

[AtomicGrog]

Waiting for Airplay 2 and multi speaker setup is stupid. They already delayed the hardware itself.

Couldn't agree more, as a self-confessed Apple Fanboi having a hard time wanting to switch away from my Sonos speakers with HomePod missing lack of stereo, multiplay, multiple music providers etc. ... Christmas morning carols across the whole house last year was glorious... bring it on... now!

 

[DNichter]

I don't need one at all, but yet I have been super close to buying one a few times now. Interested to see how they mature.

 

[soanis]

I really hope it's a flop, so they learn a thing or two

 

[Piggie]

When they say "Balance the sound" do you think they mean proper stereo?

So the left channel plays just the left channel music and visa versa.
Those tracks from the 80's and 90's that use the effect of moving the sound across the room between the two channels
[doublepost=1517345428][/doublepost]Over the air updates....

Sorry, and how else would anyone have thought such a device would be updates in 2018?

Over the air like all other similar products at a fraction of the cost, and all phones, tablets etc etc....

Did they think we were all stupid enough to be thinking you had to plug a wire into it to update it?

 

[coolfactor]

W00t, that expensive, and not even stereo sound... bwaahaha

It definitely has stereo sound... from a single speaker. It uses its array of speakers to distribute different sounds in different directions. It's actually more natural than sound emanating from two distinct fixed points. And add a second HomePod to take that to the next level, multidimensional stereo sound.

 

[sziehr]

Waiting for Airplay 2 and multi speaker setup is stupid. They already delayed the hardware itself.

The hardware was not delayed the software was. This stopped the speaker. The speaker and guts have been ready for ages. The software has been so green they could not ship

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

It definitely has stereo sound... from a single speaker. It uses its array of speakers to distribute different sounds in different directions. It's actually more natural than sound emanating from two distinct fixed points. And add a second HomePod to take that to the next level, multidimensional stereo sound.

We keep posting this but Apple themselves IN WRITING says the path to stereo is by buying 2 (TWO) HPs. A clip of that right off of Apple's site is in the original post of this thread. I don't know why we keep trying to do this but every thread gets the same posts. I guess some of us know better than Apple and apparently even want to call Apple a liar about their own product.

 

[kennyab]

Couldn't agree more, as a self-confessed Apple Fanboi having a hard time wanting to switch away from my Sonos speakers with HomePod missing lack of stereo, multiplay, multiple music providers etc. ... Christmas morning carols across the whole house last year was glorious... bring it on... now!

I'm looking forward to expanding my Sonos system with the HomePod (actually just bought another Play:1 this weekend). I use Apple Music, so the HomePod makes more sense for me than the Sonos One, but Sonos is still cheaper than HomePods for getting sound everywhere I'm fine with a dumb speaker. Once Airplay 2 is out, HomePod + Sonos should be a very nice system.

 

[The Game 161]

I really hope it's a flop, so they learn a thing or two

such as what?

it's there to do what it's suppose to.

 

[BSben]

W00t, that expensive, and not even stereo sound... bwaahaha

Perhaps you should eat more wild herbs (Wildkräuter), I heard they can heal a poor sense of humour.
I like the fact that you come here to give your misinformed comment.I t will actually provide real stereo sound with a future software update and if you have two of them (obviously). Pondering wether something is overpriced or not should be discussed once people actually own and use them. In some countries (like the one you reside in ) will have to wait a bit longer.
[doublepost=1517346515][/doublepost]

I really hope it's a flop, so they learn a thing or two

How much have you learned from being a flop? (that is a serious question)

 

[charlituna]

Waiting for Airplay 2 and multi speaker setup is stupid. They already delayed the hardware itself.

Mind you no one knows when 11.3 will come out. Could be that HomePod has its side of the software when it ships and 11.3 comes out on launch day

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Can imagine they'd be anything other than over-the-air. No one was expecting to have to plug this thing in to install updates. It runs a version of iOS and iOS can do over-the-air for years now. No surprises here.

 

[jclo]

Mind you no one knows when 11.3 will come out. Could be that HomePod has its side of the software when it ships and 11.3 comes out on launch day

Apple says iOS 11.3 will come out in the spring, so iOS 11.3 isn't coming on launch day. Spring is March 20 - June 21. It's also not remotely ready since we've only had 1 beta so far.

 

[krause734]

The speaker quality is not that good. Audiophiles won't want this. Siri is not that accurate or useful. I don't need to turn lights on/off with my voice or pay for expensive smart home stuff like The Nest (I regret buying, it has a mind of it's own). Returned my Alexa. It was more of a pain than useful. They have a long ways to go before this stuff is useful. I look forward to it when they figure it out.

 

[routine_analyst]

YEAH BABY !!! CANT FKKING WAIT !!! PLZZZZ 9TH COME COME

I only act like this when I've ordered papa johns and haven't eaten in a week.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Literal LOL. That was good one! Thanks for the BIG laugh.

 

[jicon]

From what app? mac or iPhone?

HomePod will work with iOS only.