In the past, the only way to install beta software on the HomePod was by invitation through the AppleSeed program – which is quite limited compared to the public beta program. Even the developers didn’t have access to the beta version of the HomePod software. Starting today, HomePod Software 16 beta is available for the first time to public beta users, meaning anyone can install the beta software on their HomePod. However, there is a catch. HomePod Software 16 public beta is only available for HomePod mini. Owners of the original HomePod released in 2018 can’t install the latest beta, at least not officially. That doesn’t mean the original HomePod won’t get the update later this year, as a beta update for the original model is available through the AppleSeed program. Apple doesn’t detail why the public beta is only available for the HomePod mini, but we’re guessing it has to do with the fact that the original HomePod can’t be connected to a Mac in order to flash its firmware. The HomePod mini, on the other hand, has a USB-C port so users can restore its firmware via Mac.
How to install HomePod Software 16 public beta
Note that to install HomePod Software 16 beta on HomePod mini, your iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 16 or iPadOS 16. If you haven’t installed the latest beta software on your iOS device yet, see our guide on how to install iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 public beta. If your iPhone or iPad is already running the latest iOS 16 beta, you just need to follow these steps to get the HomePod Software 16 beta update on your HomePod: After that, the Home app will show you the latest beta update available for HomePod mini.
What’s new with the update?
Unfortunately, there are no release notes for what’s new in HomePod Software 16. With iOS 16 and tvOS 16, Apple has finally implemented the new “Matter” protocol for home automation devices, so it’s very likely that HomePod Software 16 will add Matter support to HomePod. Apple announced last month that iPads will no longer act as a HomeKit hub for users with Matter-enabled accessories. Now the only HomeKit hub options will be an Apple TV or a HomePod with the latest software. HomePod Software 16 will be available to all HomePod users this fall. FTC: We use affiliate links that automatically earn you income. More. Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:
