In fact, it’s likely that any updates are focused on preparations for the arrival of the Matter smart home standard — expected to arrive this fall — and support for Apple’s brand new Home app coming to iOS 16. Along with Apple TV, The HomePod mini is a hub for Apple’s HomeKit smart ecosystem, and a hub will be required to use Matter smart home accessories in HomeKit. So you probably only want to do this if you’re testing the public beta of the Home app in iOS 16. New software on the HomePod mini will help support the Home app in iOS 16’s HomeKit.Image: Apple You can choose which of your HomePod minis are running the public beta in a new settings screen in the Home app.Image: Apple Currently, the public beta is only available on HomePod mini speakers. We don’t yet know if the discontinued full-sized HomePod will be updated to 16. To get the software update on the mini, follow these steps:
Join Apple’s beta program or sign in if you’re already a member. Once logged in, click on the Register your devices tab in the menu bar. Click HomePod Software in the list of beta software. If you haven’t joined the beta yet, you’ll need to register your iPad or iPhone and run the iOS 16 Public Beta on one of those devices. (You cannot download HomePod Software 16 without an iOS device running iOS 16.) Once you have the public beta on your iOS device, go to the Home app, tap the Home icon in the top-left corner, go to Home Settings, scroll down and tap Software Update. Enroll the HomePod mini you want in the beta program (you can choose multiple if you have more than one). HomePod mini will be updated to the latest beta version. Toggle on Automatic updates (located on the previous screen) to install the latest beta software when it’s released.
This is a beta software program and as such, you may experience bugs or issues. You can download the Apple Feedback Assistant app to submit any issues you encounter. You can also factory reset HomePod mini using a USB-C cable and a Mac or PC if you no longer want to participate.
