New 13.2 Update Bricking Some HomePods [Update Pulled by Apple]

[Bazooka-joe]

My HomePods are fine (NOT bricked). At least for now, they are working as expected.

1a) The Apple Music outage happened immediately after I finished updating, but I did not get to actually listen to any music until the outage was over. They were responding to questions like 'what time is it' and could understand what I was asking them to play, but they could not actually play during the outage.
1b) The HomePods were my 1st devices to get updated to 13.2. I updated my phone later.
2) I did NOT reset the HomePods, although I DID unplug and restart them when they seemed to be having trouble playing.
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Maybe you're doing what I was doing? At first, I had trouble with handoff because I didn't realize I had to hold the phone over the top of the HomePod (I had been just holding the phone 'near' the HomePod, but not over the top of it.)

Snap. I updated my phone and iPad to 13.2 first and then updated my HomePods. I then power cycled all my devices. Apple Music worked fined as does my HomeKit devices.
Handoff was heistant at first but settled down after a few minutes.

Just spoken to Apple Support (UK). They are getting loads of calls about bricked HomePods and the agent was well aware of the issue. He said that Apple are working on the issue and should have a fresh release in a day or two and that for those of us without bricked HomePods that are sitting on 13.2, to wait for that update. He did give me his email details and said that if I have any issues in the meantime that requires a reset, he would set up an immediate replacement for my two HomePods

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

Is it any wonder they're not holding an event? I'd wager they cancelled it and prioritised getting their software back on track.

 

[chrono1081]

This is unfortunate. I know people like to scream and cry about "NO QUALITY CONTROL/TESTING" but the truth is, you can test and test and test until you're blue in the face and stuff like this can still pop up. It sucks, and no developer likes to see their work do something like this, but it happens and it's nice to see Apple making good on replacing the bricked units.

 

[johnhackworth]

This is simply unforgivable - there is precisely one version HomePod out in the wild - no diversity of hardware whatsoever - and they manage to screw that up.

Customers won't bear premium prices for products that simply don't work for much longer.

 

[simonmet]

Always appreciate early adopters of just released software
thanks again

This is a stupid comment. You’re blaming the user for Apple‘s mistake? By releasing the software, Apple is saying that it’s ready, and they want you to update.

 

[Kabeyun]

All 9 of my HomePods are dead. This might be the straw that makes me defect to Microsoft. And after ordering the new AirPods this morning I'm just in utter shock at this point that they allow this to happen.

Where do you even begin in discussing a software update bricking $3,000 in speakers and they offer a certified replacement unit because of their foul up? This is a new record low in my opinion and might move to Sonos if this is what they deem as acceptable. Singlehandledly 5 hours ago turned my smart home into a brick.

@TimApple, unbelievable!!!

As crappy as your situation is, it’s not a new low just because it really affected you personally. It’s not even new. Apple’s software QC has slipped in recent years, and this is an example.
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This is a stupid comment. You’re blaming the user for Apple‘s mistake? By releasing the software, Apple is saying that it’s ready, and they want you to update.

True. Having said that, for as far back as I remember I’ve had a rigid policy of never installing an x.0 version of any operating system. You’d think an x.n would be safe. Maybe now I’ll only install x.n.1-9.

 

[simonmet]

Time for the armchair quarterbacks to whine about “quality assurance”. Every update on every device ever produced by humans has bugs etc. Apple quickly pulled it and they’ll fix it. Get over yourselves

It‘s also the time to watch comments flow in from apologists who defend Apple even when they stuff up.

Of course, lack of any physical port is precisely why I’d never buy or recommend such a product. It’s vulnerable to exactly this kind of situation. It’s even possible for Apple to issue a remote kill switch to the device.

There are excellent alternatives with multiple physical inputs as well as wireless and AirPlay support.

 

[eagleglen]

I was never able to get the update to install, fortunately, but now, even though I’ve forced restarted my iPhone with iOS 13.2 installed, it is still saying the 13.2 update is available for my HomePod. It even looks for it for a moment or two, before displaying the ‘Download and Install’ option. If its been pulled by Apple, I wonder why I’m still seeing this?

 

[HobbesInVA]

Is it any wonder they're not holding an event? I'd wager they cancelled it and prioritised getting their software back on track.

IMHO, no event was planned for October. Apple is focusing all their attention for the marketing and debut of AppleTV+.

Apple is pushing media content and services so hard that one could forget they sell iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

 

[Gutwrench]

Meanwhile...

View attachment 873184

What the heck is Eddy Cue wearing?!?

No idea but I’m offering BOGO free restraining order deals.

 

[dantroline]

You bought a $350 alarm clock? To each their own I guess...

Actually, if Apple sold a $350 alarm clock - and nothing more - people would still buy it.

 

[Khedron]

This is simply unforgivable - there is precisely one version HomePod out in the wild - no diversity of hardware whatsoever - and they manage to screw that up.

Customers won't bear premium prices for products that simply don't work for much longer.

Exactly. What on earth are the apologists in this thread even talking about. One SKU with one method of connection. Still too many variables for a trillion dollar company to handle apparently. Or Tim just cut costs again.

 

[TheFluffyDuck]

When people wanted new features for this lacklustre device. I don't think paper-weight was one of them.

 

[Khedron]

I know you are trying to be funny and all, but your post is lame

That's what I told Tim when he showed me his billboard.

 

[inplainview]

Why anyone would by a “smart” speaker that only plays what Apple allows you to play is beyond me. Lmfao

The correct word is: “buy”. If you’re (correct usage and spelling) going to try and throw shade, at least do it properly.

 

[acblue94]

Apple today released new 13.2 software for the HomePod with long-awaited features like Handoff and voice detection for different family members, but unfortunately, some users are running into problems with the update.

According to multiple people on the MacRumors forums and Reddit, the 13.2 update "bricked" their HomePods, rendering them unusable. Users who are seeing problems are experiencing a "white swirl" on both of their HomePods, or an endless reset loop. From the MacRumors forums:Some people had issues immediately after installing the new software, while others have had problems after resetting their devices following the update. Some users have also reported that the problem happened installing the 13.2 software before updating to iOS 13.2. From Reddit:We thought that the perceived HomePod issues may have been linked to an Apple Music outage lasting for a few hours today right after the 13.2 software came out, but that may not be the case.

Some people with affected HomePods have already contacted Apple Support and have been able to arrange replacement devices. From Reddit:Given the multitude of reports about malfunctioning HomePods, those that have not updated to the new software should avoid doing so. If you have updated, you should avoid resetting your HomePod at the current time or removing it from the Home app.

Update: It appears that Apple has pulled the 13.2 update, and in a support document, is recommending that those who have already upgraded to 13.2 avoid resetting their HomePod or removing it from the Home app. Those who have reset their HomePods will need to contact Apple support for help.

Article Link: New 13.2 Update Bricking Some HomePods [Update Pulled by Apple]

Pulled? I still see it available in the HomePod settings.

 

[Arran]

This is unfortunate. I know people like to scream and cry about "NO QUALITY CONTROL/TESTING" but the truth is, you can test and test and test until you're blue in the face and stuff like this can still pop up. It sucks, and no developer likes to see their work do something like this, but it happens and it's nice to see Apple making good on replacing the bricked units.

They really need to do some controlled deployment testing before making it generally available.

All 3 of my homepods were locked in an endless “Update available —> Downloading” loop yesterday until I turned off automatic updates. Thankfully no damage was done and preexisting automations and scenes are still working. I’d be mad if any of that was broken - because there’s no way to backup/restore any of that stuff.

Thanks to everyone here posting helpful info. Much appreciated.

 

[chinanderm]

Home already downloaded the update but I have automatic updates off so, thankfully, it didn’t install. How can I remove the download?

 

[Ma2k5]

As crappy as your situation is, it’s not a new low just because it really affected you personally. It’s not even new. Apple’s software QC has slipped in recent years, and this is an example.
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True. Having said that, for as far back as I remember I’ve had a rigid policy of never installing an x.0 version of any operating system. You’d think an x.n would be safe. Maybe now I’ll only install x.n.1-9.

The problem is replacing it with refurbished units. They should give customers new units, not refurbished one (with unknown wear and tear, quality issues and what not).

 

[IG88]

Same as you but.....sure you can update from the iPad?

Apple must have pulled the update before I began. Home app spent hours showing "updating..." but nothing was actually happening.

 

[centauratlas]

I don't want to sound negative but what is going on at Apple's software development?!

I agree. Apple needs to slow down on the new features and test the updates better. Their quality control is sorely lacking recently.

 

[polbit]

I don't think it's just Apple, as it seems that the entire industry has had a drop in software quality over the last few years. The difference is, Apple used to be so much better than the industry, and now the quality control is no better or worse than everybody else.

 

[stevet]

NINE hompods? I have 4... and I am sorry for both the bricking and the nine HomePods in general. These are such a joke of a product.

Why would you buy 4 of them if you don't like what they do?

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

So his point isn’t moot. I worked at Apple when Steve was still there. The culture was different. When I was leaving the culture had shifted and Steve was sick (though that wasn’t public knowledge). Steve was there when the whole “antenna gate” thing happened. And I have my own theory on all of that - I believe they identified there was an issue with having the antenna on the outside it’s why they made the bumper cases, which was the first case they’d ever made for an iPhone, to solve the issue should it become a larger issue. But therein lies the issue...they did have a solution for the issue. I do not understand, when you have a product like HomePod that is completely controlled by them...you can’t even beta test the software (which may be part of the issue) that you can release an update that bricks the hardware...on a completely controller device. That never happened when Jobs was there. Never. I’m not normally a “if Steve were alive” person, but in this case, as I posted earlier, I am. He did put the fear of God in employees within Apple. When I first visited campus we were given a “Steve Talk”...don’t approach Steve, don’t do this, don’t do that.It was well known the quickest way to be departing Apple was to make a wrong move in his eye line.

Steve sounds like a horrible person to work for in an extremely poisonous environment. But hey consumers got what they wanted right? That’s all that matters is people getting what they want at the expense of someone else.
Steve is gone bro. Move on. Things happen. Steve wasn’t perfect. Not a snowballs chance in hades he never made a mistake never mad a bad business decision etc. all you Steve fanboys think this guy walked on water. What Steve did was incredible but it was a COMPANIES efforts and execution, not one man. You can assume that if Steve were around these things wouldn’t happen. Apple has lost a lot of that talent over the years. Companies make mistakes. It’s how they respond which sets them apart. I’m certain everyone who has a bricked HomePod will be taken care of you might just need to endure a day or 2 with no music while kids in other countries have no clean water to drink. Take care.

 

[hlfway2anywhere]

Home already downloaded the update but I have automatic updates off so, thankfully, it didn’t install. How can I remove the download?

I’m wondering the same thing