Apple Debuts Updated Software for HomePod With Call Support, Multiple Timers, Find My iPhone, Lyric Search and More

Monday September 17, 2018 11:11 AM PDT by Juli Clover
Alongside the release of iOS 12, the newest update to the iOS operating system, Apple has also released new version 12 software that's designed for the HomePod.

The new HomePod software will be installed automatically on the HomePod after you update to iOS 11.4, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how to.


As Apple CEO Tim Cook said during the company's "Gather Round" event last Wednesday, the software update introduces several new features that HomePod users have been hoping for since the speaker was first released back in February.

The update lets you use Siri to search for your favorite songs using song lyrics, and it lets you create multiple timers. It also allows you to make and receive phone calls right from the HomePod.

The HomePod could previously be used as a speakerphone, but after the update, it will be able to be used to place and answer phone calls without the need to transfer a call from the iPhone.

HomePod will be able to ping your iPhone or any of your other Apple devices so you can find them in your Home, and it works with Siri Shortcuts, a new feature introduced in iOS 12. Apple's full release notes for the HomePod software update are below:
iOS 12 includes support for multiple timers, music search by lyrics, telephony and Find My iPhone.
- Conveniently search for a song using the lyrics if you can’t remember the title (English only)
- Create multiple named timers
- Make and receive phone calls directly on HomePod, or simply ask Siri who is calling
- Similar to Apple Watch, Find My iPhone on HomePod allows you to quickly locate any of your iOS or macOS devices with an audible ping
- Calendar support to include all languages
- View the network name in Settings
For more on the HomePod, make sure to check out our HomePod roundup.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral)
44 comments


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Return Zero
13 weeks ago
Safari definitely seems snappier! Oh wait...
Rating: 5 Votes
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dan9700
13 weeks ago
now this is what ive been waiting for can now call from these :)
Rating: 2 Votes
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MacBrim
13 weeks ago
is it possible to stream in stereo from and Mac without iTunes? would love to airplay 2 Spotify
Rating: 2 Votes
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ersan191
13 weeks ago
Ugh just figured out making/answering phone calls is yet another thing that unpairs the HomePod from Apple TV - irritating as hell... Apple please.
Rating: 2 Votes
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Squuiid
13 weeks ago
Updating my HomePod remotely from the office. Nice!
Rating: 2 Votes
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nwcs
13 weeks ago
I’ve got mine updating at home from work. That’s a nice feature... now they just need to have a multi user mode where it will use the iCloud account of the user talking. That will complete the usefulness of the device I think.
Rating: 2 Votes
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ersan191
13 weeks ago
Hope they add a notification option to tvOS to show who's calling - asking who's calling takes way too long and it goes to voicemail.
Rating: 1 Votes
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dan9700
13 weeks ago

Has the sound signature changed again?

Just testing as we speak, it sounds wider sound on my stereo pair but it could be a plecebo
Rating: 1 Votes
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dan9700
13 weeks ago
omg why does it say Just to Confirm every time I ask it to call someone, thats gonna bug me, it does it every time I try to call using homepod
Rating: 1 Votes
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CamiMR
13 weeks ago

omg why does it say Just to Confirm every time I ask it to call someone, thats gonna bug me, it does it every time I try to call using homepod

Has the sound signature changed again?
Rating: 1 Votes
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