If you want to use Apple’s new Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for end-to-end encryption of your iCloud data, you need the latest operating system – on all your devices. The function, which is currently available in the USA but will soon be rolled out in the rest of the world, is causing problems for some users; even with brand new hardware.
HomePod mini buyers get stuck
What that looks like in concrete terms is described in a Users on Twitter. He had enabled ADP for his iCloud account and then bought a new HomePod mini. Since Apple’s hardware is at the dealer for a longer period of time, it rarely comes with the latest firmware or the latest operating system. Accordingly, an update is first due when setting up. The problem: With active ADP, it is impossible to activate a HomePod mini running an older HomePod OS. Since the update function of the smart speaker runs via the Home app – and the device does not appear there without activation – you get stuck with active ADP.
The affected user sums it up as follows: “I bought a HomePod mini, but I can’t set it up because I have Advanced Data Protection (ADP) enabled in my iCloud account and the HomePod’s firmware doesn’t support ADP.” And as mentioned, there is no way to update the device without it being part of the account. “What are you actually doing there, Apple?” the user finally asks and adds face palm-Emoji.
Step-by-step procedure: switch off and then switch on again
Fortunately, there are ways to break out of this impasse. However, they require a longer process. In order to update the HomePod mini, you can first switch off ADP again. This is done via the iCloud settings. You should then be able to go through the Siri speaker setup and install the latest HomePod OS 16.2 firmware. Then you have to reactivate ADP. The process is annoying (and takes a while), but works reliably.
Another option, if you have an additional Apple device, would be to connect the newly purchased HomePod mini to an Apple ID without ADP. The said update is then possible there via the Home app on Mac, iPhone or iPad. You then remove the link again (resetting the speaker) and can use the updated HomePod mini to connect to the Apple ID equipped with ADP. Both ways are not particularly elegant, but currently the only solution before Apple does not allow an update option directly when setting up the Siri speaker, as is the case with the iPhone, for example. The problem is reminiscent of other update difficulties due to incorrect version numbers on the Apple Watch – at least there are the solutions mentioned here.
(bsc)
