Alongside iOS 26, Apple additionally launched HomePod Software program Model 26, which is way from being a significant improve like a few of its counterparts. When it was nonetheless in beta, BGR beforehand found two new options coming to Apple’s sensible audio system. Now, with iOS 26 formally out there, Apple’s assist doc shared a number of different capabilities on this replace, which vastly improves the AirPlay expertise, whether or not you have got an authentic HomePod, a second-generation, or the HomePod mini.
Whereas the HomePod feels a bit omitted by Apple amongst all the brand new updates, it is potential that that is taking place as a result of ongoing delays within the extra personalised Siri expertise. Rumors thus far level to Apple creating a HomePod with a show which might be powered by a new homeOS expertise. Nonetheless, since this rumored system closely depends on a wiser Siri, the corporate has apparently determined to postpone a number of options. Nonetheless, if in case you have one of many present HomePod fashions out there, there are 4 options you possibly can get pleasure from right now.
The whole lot new with HomePod 26
So far as we are able to inform, Apple has introduced 4 small however quality-of-life enhancements to HomePod. These embody a crossfade characteristic that may be enabled within the settings of the House app. Whereas it may not be as fancy because the AutoMix characteristic out there with iOS 26, crossfade helps to make transitions between songs enjoying on a HomePod extra seamless.
With the brand new replace, customers may swap the HomePod’s Wi-Fi within the House app. Beforehand, the audio system would solely connect with the identical Wi-Fi as your iPhone. Moreover, while you use AirPlay to stream audio to a HomePod, anybody in the home can use their iPhone to see what’s enjoying, management the music, or select which HomePod audio system are energetic. Lastly, you possibly can ask Siri to swap the audio from one HomePod speaker to a different when utilizing AirPlay. This characteristic is very useful if in case you have a number of HomePods in your own home and want a seamless audio expertise with out manually switching audio system.
