Alongside iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3, Apple has released new HomePod 26.3 software for the HomePod and the HomePod mini. The update comes two months after Apple released HomePod Software 26.2.
According to Apple's release notes, HomePod Software 26.3 includes performance and stability improvements.
HomePod software is installed automatically on the HomePod unless the feature is disabled, but the HomePod can also be manually updated in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by tapping on the More button, choosing Home Settings, and then selecting the Software Update option.
Friday September 4, 2026 2:29 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple appears to be working on some major new HomePod home theater features, including a four-speaker surround sound system and a new "Party Mode," according to code found in audioOS 27 beta 8, and shared on the MacRumors forums by member pdfu.
References in the software for the second-generation HomePod suggest the ability to tune for a setup with front-left, front-right, rear-left, and...
Apple remains on track to launch its first smart home device with a screen before the end of the year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Gurman reiterated that the device will use facial recognition to determine who is standing in front of it and serve up personalized content for that individual user. The description lines up with code found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 earlier this week, which...
Friday September 4, 2026 8:25 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple has been testing a new full-sized HomePod with Siri AI support, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Unfortunately, in his report outlining upcoming Apple products today, Gurman said the new full-sized HomePod "doesn't appear to be imminent," so do not expect the speaker to be updated soon. The current HomePod was unveiled in January 2023....
Siri, volume 22. Increase volume to 100? (She repeatedly does this. Is this some departed engineer's idea of a joke??? I'm not laughing)
Siri, add bananas to the shopping list Who's speaking? (Me, the only MALE in the house!)
Siri, volume 40 (previously told to play music on the HomePod's in kitchen using Siri on the HomePods) (iPad also in kitchen responds "I'll speak louder" - HomePods in kitchen keep playing at previous level).
I'm not so sure it is a good idea to re-use the Siri name...
Update hasn't fixed the audible stutter when ambient sounds like white noise loop every minute. Has been a problem since 26.2. Not even sure why white noise is a looped recording, something like that can be procedurally generated...
