Apple released iOS 13.2 today. HomePod uses a sort of customized version of iOS, and is updated through the Home app on an associated iPhone. So HomePod updates are often associated with iOS updates, and the HomePod update that comes with iOS 13.2 is particularly impactful.
Editor’s note: Apple has pulled the iOS 13.2 update for HomePod. We will update this article when Apple reissues the update.
This update brings several of the features that Apple has long promised for its smart speaker, and which its competitors have enjoyed for years. The official release notes lists them quite concisely:
iOS 13.2 provides support for new HomePod features:
The ability for HomePod to recognize the voices of different family members to provide a personalized experience
Handoff music, podcasts or phone calls by bringing your iPhone close to HomePod
Add music to your HomeKit scenes
Play relaxing high-quality soundtracks with Ambient Sounds
Set sleep timers to fall asleep to music or Ambient Sounds
IDGHow to update your HomePod
By default, your HomePod should update automatically, but that can take several days. You can force the update by doing this:
- First, update the iPhone to which your HomePod is associated to iOS 13.2.
- Then open the Home app.
- Tap the House icon in the upper left.
- In the Speakers & TVs section, tap Software Update.
- One the update in finished downloading, tap Install.
It will take a few minutes to update, then you can enjoy these new features.
Author: Jason Cross, Senior Editor, Macworld
Jason has written about technology for more than 25 years - first in the gaming press, then focusing on enthusiast PCs and general technology. He enjoys learning how complicated technology works and explaining it in a way anyone can understand.