Apple Releases New 11.3 Software for the HomePod

Thursday March 29, 2018 10:10 AM PDT by Juli Clover
Alongside iOS 11.3, watchOS 4.3, and tvOS 11.3, Apple today released a new 11.3 software update designed for the HomePod.

This marks the first software update that's been released for the HomePod since it became available for purchase in February.


The new HomePod software will be installed automatically on the HomePod after you update to iOS 11.3, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how to.

It's not clear what new features are included in the HomePod software just yet, but we are waiting on both AirPlay 2 and a feature to allow two HomePods to be paired together for stereo sound. Apple's release notes don't divulge any details about what might be included, suggesting these features have not been implemented.

According to the release notes, the update "includes general improvements for stability and quality."

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262 comments


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daveak
20 weeks ago
Pretty sure there is more cowbell on Don't Fear the Reaper with 11.3
Rating: 15 Votes
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BMcCoy
21 weeks ago
Just listened to a few familiar tracks on mine.
For me, the bass is slightly down, and there's a bit more mid-range.
Listening to some classical music, there is a bit more definition across the strings.
But listening to some rock, like The Who, the bass is less thumpy.

I think they've smoothed out the EQ curve a smidge.

Which is fine.
It still sounds good.

BUT... I think they'd get a lot of good will if they put an EQ adjust setting within the homepod settings, and allow users to tweak it to suit listener preference.
Rating: 12 Votes
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MDF314159265
21 weeks ago
Those not satisfied with audio changes - please let Apple know. With enough noise (pun intended) maybe we can get this fixed!

Let them know here:
https://www.apple.com/feedback/
Rating: 10 Votes
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ipedro
20 weeks ago
I have a reference song that I test all audio with. I listened to Michael Jackson's Human Nature so often growing up because it was the only vinyl album I owned outside of my dad's collection. Every note, every background vocal and sound, the physical effect of the song on my skin, is burned into my brain.

I was a little disappointed when I first ran it on my HomePod because despite all the stellar audiophile reviews, my Harman Kardon reproduced it better. Wow, they fixed it. The bass is still there, it's still rich, but it's not overwhelming all the details in the song.
Rating: 10 Votes
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Benz63amg
20 weeks ago

This is a huge problem. Changing the sound signature like this without any EQ's for users to change it back is a awkward state of affers. I bought three HomePod's and that sound signature which I really enjoyed has now been clearly altered and there is no way for me to get it back.


The HomePod uses algorithms to equalize the sound in real time at any given moment in any given environment. It appears that Apple modified that analysis system to create an overall more accurate and cleaner sound. Saying that Apple decreased the “bass” is misleading at best.

Bass in general can be boomy(Some people may like the fact that it’s boomy but it’s far from accurate) in certain rooms because the sound system is not optimized for the room or the real-time audio optimizing algorithm is not functioning properly therefore causing much stronger and louder bass than should be present therefore overpowering the rest of the sound spectrum.

What Apple has done here should be appreciated for optimizing the Audio analyzing algorithms, not mocked.

Just because the average person likes “Boomy” inaccurate sound and bass doesn’t mean that that’s the sound profile Apple should set for the HomePod as the Signature Profile,

Now, I do agree that Apple should introduce an equalizer to OVERRIDE the built in audio analyzing system for these individuals that want inaccurate boomy sound regardless to avoid complaints.
Rating: 10 Votes
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RamGuy
21 weeks ago
This is a huge problem. Changing the sound signature like this without any EQ's for users to change it back is a awkward state of affers. I bought three HomePod's and that sound signature which I really enjoyed has now been clearly altered and there is no way for me to get it back.
Rating: 8 Votes
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ipedro
20 weeks ago
Been listening all day. The new HomePod sound profile is better.

To the average Joe, a powerful bass is impressive and might sound expensive. But if you care about good audio, bass that muddles up the rest of the sound is crap. You want bass where it matters while still allowing the other layers to make it through.

Really loving this more refined sound.
Rating: 8 Votes
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TigerMSTR
20 weeks ago
The original EQ setting for the HomePod was way too boomy. Even at just 15% volume, I had to be worried about the bass waking up my roommates or neighbours. With the new EQ settings, I can listen at 20% or 25% volume (loud enough to properly hear the vocals), and not worry about waking anyone up. I can now properly enjoy the HomePod at night. So I am very happy with this change.
Rating: 7 Votes
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jimmirehman
21 weeks ago

Those not satisfied with audio changes - please let Apple know. With enough noise (pun intended) maybe we can get this fixed!

Let them know here:
https://www.apple.com/feedback/

Done and I emailed Tim, this is unacceptable
Rating: 6 Votes
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twinpeaks_sf
20 weeks ago
So I figured I ought to stop talking about the audio quality without giving myself a good couple hours to listen to a set.

I listen to a lot of progressive house and techno — genres that typically have a good deal of bass. But here’s the thing. A key to DJing is the ability to provide sufficient bass without overwhelming the other elements of the sound. Of course there will be those moments at a live performance where they truly lift the bass up, but that’s often not what the producer’s original intent was in the studio (I’m excluding the top 100 electro house tracks here). Listening to a 2-hour set by Eric Prydz, I’m hearing a high-quality, crisp sound with HomePod — the snare is kicking, FX are crisp, and that bass is there just when you want it (i.e., the drop), without drowning out the other elements of the track. My favorite part of HomePod is hearing little bits of songs I know by heart that I’d never heard before — and the new HomePod algorithm may even be expanding that effect.

Just thought I’d share my experiences with the music I like. I still think a simple equalizer would be a nice addition. We need not forget we’re all early adopters here and Apple will continue to dial the product in.
[doublepost=1522373466][/doublepost]This could be solved very elegantly: “Siri, turn up the bass!”
Rating: 6 Votes
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