Apple has been updating the HomePod software alongside major iOS updates, so it was something of a surprise when iOS 12.1 was released yesterday with no accompanying HomePod 12.1 software to go along with it.

As it turns out, though, there is a HomePod 12.1 update, it just appears to be bugged for those who updated their HomePod to the version 12 software after updating to iOS 12.

homepod duo
On Reddit, a user who purchased a brand new HomePod running HomePod software version 11 was able to update to the 12.1 software, which apparently includes stability updates and bug fixes.

On Twitter, developer Khaos Tian said that Apple is offering up the HomePod update with an internal URL that prevents people from downloading it.


Apple may be able to fix this HomePod software issue relatively easily, so we could see the HomePod 12.1 software become available for download shortly.

Update: Just after this article was posted, Apple made the HomePod 12.1 software available. It can be downloaded from the Home app on the iPhone and the iPad by tapping on the house-shaped icon in the upper left, tapping on "Home Settings," selecting your home, and choosing the "Software Update" option.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Don't Buy)
Related Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology

Top Rated Comments

Return Zero Avatar
Return Zero
36 months ago
Manually checking and installing these updates on my living room HomePods while I'm away at work doesn't seem like it will ever get old.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
macduke
36 months ago
Even Apple didn't know it was bugged and we're just now getting the story a day later. Just goes to show how few people have Homepods. If this were any other Apple device people would be all over asking where the update is.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mike MA Avatar
Mike MA
36 months ago
Just thinking, hope that HomePods can’t brick as massively and non repairable as the Apple Watch does.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SantaFeNM Avatar
SantaFeNM
36 months ago
Mines showing no update to 12.1. I’m running 12.0. Rebooted phone and HomePod no go.

Strange.
Mine was doing the same. Had to swipe down on the Software Update page and then it showed up.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbednarz Avatar
bbednarz
36 months ago
Manually checking and installing these updates on my living room HomePods while I'm away at work doesn't seem like it will ever get old.
Wish the Apple TVs could do this too!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrGimper Avatar
MrGimper
36 months ago
- Hey, Tim, it looks like we’ve never uploaded the update for the HomePod.
- for home what?!
- you know that speaker that we released at the beginning of the year
- oh...
“But we announced it soooo long before the launch, it’s officially obsolete now and that’s why I forgot about it”
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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