What you need to know
- Apple has released the first public beta for HomePod Software 16.
- It's the first time that Apple has offered a public beta for the HomePod lineup.
- The public beta is only available for the HomePod mini.
Today, Apple rolled out a public beta for the HomePod first the first time ever.
In addition to releasing a public beta for the rest of its software, the company also seeded the first public beta of HomePod Software 16. While the HomePod lineup has received developer beta updates for years, this is the first time that Apple is bringing a public beta to the HomePod.
Unfortunately, the public beta for HomePod Software 16 isn't available for all HomePod models. According to Apple, the public beta will only be available for the HomePod mini. The original HomePod, which was released in 2018 and discontinued awhile ago, will not be supported with the new public beta.
As outlined by 9to5Mac, you'll need an iPhone or iPad running the iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 public betas in order to install the HomePod Software 16 public beta.
To install HomePod Software 16 public beta, users need a HomePod mini and either an iPhone or iPad running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16. From your device of choice, go to the Home App > Home Settings > Software Update > HomePod Beta Updates and enroll the HomePod mini you want on the Beta program.
While it's sad to see the original HomePod be left behind, the rumors continue to grow that Apple may release a brand new HomePod later this year.
Bottom line: Apple is preaching to the choir with this one, a tremendous speaker for its price and size, but only for those who are already invested in Apple's ecosystem of products and services.
