Amber Neely
Apple on Tuesday has rolled out HomePod version 16.3 and tvOS 16.3 with support for the new large HomePod and activation of dormant temperature sensors in HomePod mini.
Like many tvOS updates, this one primarily focuses on platform stability, bug fixes, and ecosystem improvements. What's interesting in this update is what's coming to the HomePod lineup.
Apple announced a new large HomePod with an S7 processor, temperature and humidity sensors, and a thread radio. It ships to customers on February 3 and the full range of operating system updates adds support for this new device.
Apple also included several new features for the existing HomePod and HomePod mini. Notably, the HomePod mini will have dormant humidity and temperature sensors activated, enabling the data to show up in the Apple Home app.
The tvOS update will be installed automatically, but it can be manually installed onto an Apple TV via the Settings app as well. HomePod software can be managed from the Home app.
Updates to tvOS are typically incremental maintenance releases, adding support for products and services while also improving user experience in small ways.
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9 Comments
Good to hear. My ATV started turning back on when I wanted it to sleep after earlier updating my Mac to Ventura 13.2. Some of the weirdest ATV behavior is always connected to the software not being as up to date with the desktop that I stream my personal library from.
Just did the update, Temp reading & humidity is quite accurate. Love it
HomePod update started on my Mini stereo pair - about 1 hour ago.
Still spinning with "updating..." status. Hmm.
Updated four ATVs while HomePod update is still spinning.
Ok. Nice to see more helpful functionality to my mini. Wonkiness with Atv iOS is usually taken care of with subsequent updates. Last update worked well, not aware of issues this update.
Something is not right with the 16.3 update on HomePod mini. Went from infinite loop on the installation so I updated to 16.3 by connecting my minis to my Mac via USB-C and updating them using the restore feature.