Learn more about the latest update to Apple's HomePod software. Beta software, release date, and more!
Beta Testers Will Be Able To Download HomePod Software
According to Mac Rumors, Apple makes betas of iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS available to the general public. On the contrary, HomePod software updates are exclusively available to a small set of invite-only testers.
However, that is about to change as Apple pointed out that it intends to make the HomePod 16 software available to public beta testers with the latest round of betas.
New public betas for iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, tvOS 16, HomePod software version 16 and watchOS 9 are coming soon. As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can take part in shaping Apple software by test-driving pre-release versions and letting us know what you think.
Apple named HomePod Software version 16 as one of the betas coming to public beta testers later this year. It is listed right alongside iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, iOS 16, tvOS 16 and watchOS 9.
The tech giant previously stated that public beta testers will be able to access the betas in July, as per Mac Rumors.
In the iOS 16 Beta, There Are References to an Unannounced HomePod Model
The first beta of iOS 16 was given to developers on Monday, and it includes a number of new features, including a newly redesigned lock screen with widgets, updated notifications, iMessage improvements, and more. It also suggests that a new HomePod model is on the way.
9to5Mac claimed that it first discovered that there are references to an unannounced HomePod model concealed in the iOS 16 beta code. The unknown HomePod is labeled internally as "AudioAccessory6," while HomePod mini is "AudioAccessory5" and the original HomePod is "AudioAccessory1."
While the codes give no additional information about this yet-to-be-released HomePod, they do indicate that iOS 16 is ready to support a new HomePod model.
What Is the Most Likely Release Date for HomePod?
Apple has been working on a new HomePod, said analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who also claims that it will be released in late 2022 or early 2023. Because all devices produced during this time window will run the iOS 16 software, 9to5Mac noted that the findings in the iOS 16 code back up Kuo's claims.
Apple has been experimenting with combining HomePod prototypes with the Apple TV into a single product, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. However, this product appears to be far from market-ready.
Apple Insider mentioned that Apple's release of a new HomePod model is much harder to pin down because it is a device that doesn't have a regular upgrade cycle like the iPhone's annual updates.
In February 2018 and November 2020, two major HomePod models were released, resulting in a two-year, nine-month gap between them. There is no set cycle that indicates a specific launch date.
