The HomePod and HomePod miniskirt are Apple ’s saucy speaker , taking on the Amazon Echo , Google Home and various other AI - equipped euphony - and - more player .
Like the implausibly popular Echo , both HomePod model can play euphony and perform various utilitarian function , such as tell you about the track that ’s play , set timers , search for and relay race information found on the World Wide Web , read your text message , set calendar appointments , and a lot more .
In this clause we explain on the nose what the HomePod and the HomePod miniskirt can do , and what they ca n’t do . We also discuss the new features that arrive on the HomePod with each fresh version of iOS and the new features that have arrive over the month and years antecedently .
One of the groovy thing about the HomePod is the fact that Apple keep open regularly update the software and sum fresh features . As a consequence Apple ’s smart loudspeaker system has a lot more going for it than it did at launch back in 2018 . In this clause we tend through everything the HomePod can do thanks to the subsequent update it ’s seen .
The latest update to HomePod get with iOS 16.3 in January 2023 and introduced a number of new feature , more info below . That update follow the launch of a brandnew 2nd - coevals HomePodwhich supervene upon the original HomePod which Apple discontinued in 2021 . See : HomePod vs HomePod minito see how the two model compare .
HomePod features
The HomePod and HomePod mini can do the following :
Audio :
Home :
Other :
There are some differences as to how the HomePod mini and HomePod do as a loudspeaker system with the full - sized HomePod offering more advanced constituent and technology that enable it to farm good strait . learn more about how the HomePod miniskirt and HomePod compare here : HomePod miniskirt vs HomePod .
Apple regularly lend fresh feature film to the HomePod and HomePod mini , these updates can be installed mechanically , but if you want to stop that your HomePod is up to date follow the steps below . We unravel through the new features that arrived with each interpretation of Apple ’s HomePod software program below .
Apple HomePod (2nd generation, 2023)
Apple HomePod mini
How to update the software on HomePod
To get the latest version of the HomePod mini software you necessitate to do the following :
you could take to set up update automatically here by tapping on the Pseudemys scripta beside machinelike Updates > HomePod , so that it is gullible .
We offer more advice about how to install a HomePod update here : HomePod software : how to update and get unexampled features .
We also have thebest HomePod dealsright now if you want to save money on Apple ’s impertinent speaker .
New HomePod features
Apple on a regular basis updates the HomePod software and adds new features . you’re able to regain out what new features arrive with each update below :
New HomePod features in 16.3
New HomePod features in 16.1
New HomePod features in 15.2
New HomePod features in 15.1
New HomePod features in 15
iOS 15 in September 2021 included the follow HomePod updates :
New HomePod features in 14.4
Apple updated the software for the HomePod and HomePod miniskirt in January 2021 .
New features are principally aimed at users of the HomePod mini :
translate about the other update that arrive in January 2021 : New computer software for HomePod , Apple Watch , Apple TV and iPad
New HomePod features in 14.3
When iOS 14.3 arrived it just bribe some bug fixes .
New HomePod features in 14.2
iOS 14.2 arrived in November 2020 and bought the come after HomePod features :
Read about the other update that arrived on 5 November 2020 : Apple updates iPhone , iPad , HomePod , Apple TV and Watch .
New HomePod features in 14.1
The HomePod 14.1 software added support for HomePod mini and new Siri and Intercom feature film .
New HomePod features in iOS 14
iOS 14 added a number of new feature film to the HomePod include the option to pick out a third - party music streaming service , such as Spotify , as your nonpayment , and improved consolidation with the Apple TV and HomeKit .
It was already potential to act as music from Spotify on the HomePod , but this had to be done via AirPlay . We explainhow to listen to Spotify on HomePod here .
The newfangled characteristic think of that Spotify and other service such as Pandora will work with HomePod so you will be able-bodied to set them as your nonremittal music service and use Siri to operate playback , rather than stream the music to the talker via your iPhone . Users will also be able to replace Apple Books for audiobooks alternative such as Kindle .
The newfangled software will also bring good desegregation with HomeKit ( Apple ’s package model for control household appliances ) . For case , if someone rings your doorbell and you have a HomeKit photographic camera you will get an announcement on the HomePod that will tell you who is at the door , based on the Faces you have attributed to people in your Photos .
New HomePod features in iOS 13
It was expected that the HomePod would make headway a number of unexampled feature with the arriver of iOS 13 in September 2019 , however , these fresh features were n’t available for launching . Instead , some arrived in mid October 2019 , while others arrived afterwards that calendar month .
ab initio one unexampled feature arrived :
When iOS 13.2 come on 28 October 2019 , the HomePod gained the stick to feature :
When iOS 13.3 arrive on 10 December it bribe the follow features and improvement :
New HomePod features in iOS 12
New HomePod features in iOS 11
require toupdate the software program on your HomePod , here ’s how .
For more information read : HomePod tipsandhow to employ HomePod .
Also read : What to ask Siri on HomePodand our turn up ofHomePod with screen rumor .
