Find out how to get the most recent HomePod 17.4 software program replace

Your HomePod is much more than a easy speaker — it’s a complete laptop. And like several laptop it has an working system that wants occasional updates. Right here’s how to verify your Apple good speaker has the software program model launched on Tuesday.

Model 17.4 makes it simpler to play media by studying your most well-liked service. 

Should you rely upon computerized updates, it’s attainable your good speaker hasn’t but put in the replace. Right here’s how to take action manually.

A little bit of background on HomePod Software program

Apple affords macOS, iOS, tvOS and extra. You may assume the working system for HomePod has the same title. Internally, Apple workers name it audioOS, however that title is rarely used publicly. For everybody else, it’s “HomePod Software program.”

It’s apparently a variation of Apple TV’s tvOS that’s been specifically modified for this good speaker. This is smart — each are centered on multimedia playback, help Siri, and don’t have to fret about cellular-wireless connections.

And new HomePod Software program variations come out when Apple TV is up to date. (iPhone and iPad updates are often launched on the similar time, however not all the time. It didn’t occur this time, for instance.) And the model numbers are usually in lockstep. With tvOS 17.4 launching on March 5, it’s additionally time for a HomePod replace.

What’s new in HomePod software program 17.4

To be present, your Apple good speaker must be on HomePod Software program Model 17.4. That is true whether or not you personal an unique HomePod, HomePod 2 or HomePod mini. The earlier model is 17.3 from January.

Apple’s launch notes describes the brand new characteristic, and nicely as promising bug fixes:

“This replace allows Siri to study your most well-liked media service, so that you not want to incorporate the title of the media app in your request. This replace additionally consists of efficiency and stability enhancements.”

A greater audio expertise is all the time welcome.

Find out how to replace your HomePod’s software program

You may have the choice to attend for the HomePod to mechanically replace itself, however Apple waits a stunning period of time to start out pushing new variations out to customers. You may be certain your system has the most recent model in just some steps.

1. Open the Dwelling utility in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the Dwelling tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
3. Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, than choose Dwelling Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it.

To examine to see in case your system has mechanically up to date, faucet on Up to date Lately and also you’ll get an outline of the final model launched.

However when you aren‘t caught up, you’ll see an Replace Accessible message as an alternative. There’ll be an Replace All button subsequent to this. Press it to see what the brand new model is and begin the set up course of.

If you realize there’s a brand new model out however the Dwelling app doesn’t present it, it is advisable reboot your HomePod. Do that the old style means: unplug it then plug it again in. Wait a couple of minutes for the reboot then look once more for the replace.

Set HomePod to (not) replace mechanically

By default, your good speaker is about to mechanically set up the most recent HomePod Software program. Should you don’t wish to tinker with updating this system, you by no means have to consider it once more.

Simply bear in mind that computerized updates don’t begin instantly. Primarily based on private expertise, it may be just a few days after the software program launch earlier than your system will get the replace. Should you’re somebody who likes to make sure you’re operating the most recent software program on all of your gadgets, you’ll be able to all the time go in and request a right away replace by following the steps above. The perfect time to examine is true after each tvOS replace will get launched.

Or there’s the precise reverse situation. If you’re comfortable along with your HomePod now and don’t wish to take the prospect {that a} unhealthy software program replace will muck it up, you’ll be able to flip off computerized updates. It’s straightforward.

1. Open the Dwelling utility in your iPhone
2. Faucet on the button for the Dwelling tab within the decrease left nook of the display screen.
3. Faucet the menu button within the higher proper nook of the display screen, then choose Dwelling Settings from the ensuing pop-up window.
4. Scroll right down to Software program Replace and faucet on it
5. Within the Automated Updates part of the display screen, toggle off the change subsequent to HomePod.

You may additionally take into account doing this for Different Equipment which might be up to date from the Dwelling utility.

Simply don’t neglect you probably did this. By toggling off computerized updates, you’ll by no means obtain one other one till you manually request it. You is likely to be shutting your self off from helpful options coming sooner or later.

Notice: This text was first printed in February 2022, and is periodically up to date with new info.