In the coming week, Apple will introduce a major software update for its HomePod series of smart speakers, which will add a number of interesting functions and improve existing features, including in the audio and smart home areas. This is reported by beta testers who already have the instruction leaflet for HomePod OS 16.3. The update should appear together with the next iOS version 16.3, which is also expected shortly. A corrected update of the home architecture should also return with this. The first attempt in iOS 16.2 in December had led to problems with many smart home installations.
Suitable for the HomePod 2
New features include the ability to enable existing but previously inactive sensors in HomePod mini for HomeKit automations. This allows the small Siri speaker to record the room temperature and humidity and use it to control other devices, such as fans or thermostats. The HomePod 2 also has these sensors, but it won’t be released until February 3rd. HomePod OS 16.3 is also intended for this hardware.
Furthermore, Apple has its so-called spatial sounds prettified. These are now “more immersive” and can also be assigned to scenes, automations and alarms. “Pattering rain, forest noise, sea noise, white noise, night noises, crackling fireplaces or murmuring of a brook” can currently be played here, as documented by Apple. In the future, all HomePods can also query the “Where is?” function for people – the device then names the whereabouts of family members or friends who have shared it. Also new to Siri is the ability to set up repetitive home automations by voice, and a new confirmation tone for smart home requests made by accessories that can’t visually indicate this or are in a different room.
Audio optimizations for podcasts
Apple also overhauled the first-gen HomePod’s volume settings, which are now said to be more granular — especially at lower volumes. Spoken content such as podcasts or audio books should be easier to understand, so Apple has worked on the HomePod 1 and 2 playback model.
HomePod OS 16.3 could be out on Tuesday or Wednesday. However, it can only be installed if you are using a device running iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 or macOS 13.2, all others do not show the update in the Home app. A direct update without another Apple device is still not possible for the Siri speakers.
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