Hands on with HomePod & HomePod mini's new features in software update 17
Andrew O'HaraApple's relaunched HomePod
The HomePod and HomePod mini didn't get as much love in Apple's recent OS updates as the rest of the lineup, but the recently-released 17.0 update still brought along some new features for us to test out.
HomePod software update 17 rolled out to users near the end of September, and Apple is just about to release version 17.1, bringing additional refinement.
We've been testing the new updates for the last several weeks and even though they aren't flashy features, they're solid quality of life improvements.
Improvements to Siri
As Apple has with all of its other platforms, users no longer need to preface summoning Siri with "hey." Users can now say "Siri, ____" to query Apple's digital assistant.
The same goes for the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac. Apple TV doesn't have hands-free Siri support, and you must invoke the assistant by pressing the dedicated button on the Siri Remote.
Users can also now start an AirPlay session on HomePod by asking their iPhone. Instead of starting to play an app and then casting it manually, you can complete the whole process via your voice.
Phone calls on HomePod
If you took a phone call on HomePod, there was no easy way to mute the call. Apple has solved that with the 17.0 version of its software.
Tap the top of the HomePod during a call the mic will mute. The green status light in the center will shrink.
When you tap it again, it will increase to full size. When done, double-tap to end the call.
Apple added similar functionality to the AirPods Pro alongside iOS 17.
HomePod with Apple TV
Our favorite new feature is when using your HomePods with your Apple TV. Apple allows you to use a pair of HomePod minis or full-size HomePods as speakers with your set-top box.
The larger speakers even support Dolby Atmos 3D audio. We've found that the dialogue can get muddied at times because of the amount of bass.
With HomePod software versions 17 and 17.1, you can now choose to boost speech for HomePod and HomePod mini.
This allows dialogue to be more clear and separates it from the other channels. We've tested it so far with our HomePod minis and it works quite well.
Update your HomePods
Apple will push updates to HomePod automatically, though you can manually install them by opening the HomePod in the Home app.
HomePod software update 17 is available now while the 17.1 release will be out soon.
Malcolm Owen
Charles Martin
Mike Wuerthele
Chip Loder
William Gallagher
22 Comments
Still waiting to be able to pair 1 or 2 HomePods with 2 HomePods Mini for my Apple TV as sound system :)
For me I hope it fixes what it broke with HomeKit. My setup sometimes tells me it has no hubs when I have 3 HomePods and 2 AppleTVs and restarting my iPhone will sometimes fix it. This is after erasing and setting up all of the hub devices. 17 has caused some really weird issues with Homekit and all Apple support can recommend to me is to remove and reinstall all 30+ devices I have.
BassI just wish I could increase or decrease the amount of bass in my music with HomePod. Currently, Siri either turns it on or turns it off, but there’s no way to increase it incrementally.
Siri-HomeKit has been a dumpster fire for our family since inception. Since iOS 17, our Siri capable devices are erroneously waking more often than ever before, even though we've not removed the requirement for "Hey". I can issue a command in the kitchen, and hear the response in the garage, 50 feet away on the other side of a closed door. I can ask Siri what time it is and get "Sorry, I'm having trouble connecting to the Internet". Two seconds later, I can ask for tomorrow's weather, and get it.
I understand that distributed databases are difficult to manage, but Apple should have understood that too and implemented a layer of checks to prevent Siri from looking like an idiot.
Would love to be able to have my Hompod Mini to be able to play sound from my smart tv without having to buy a Apple set top box???????