this is how you install the update with new functions

A new update is available for the HomePod. Are you curious about the cool new features? Learn how to download HomePod 16.3 here.

HomePod 16.3 is out

After iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and watchOS 16.3, Apple has now also released HomePod 16.3. The update is available for both the first and second generation HomePod and for the HomePod mini. Some cool new features are coming with the HomePod update. We put them together for you.

Measure temperature and humidity

With HomePod 16.3 it is possible to measure the temperature and humidity in a room with your HomePod (mini). The new feature is available on the second-generation HomePod and on the HomePod mini. This new function was already built into the small version of the speaker, but the function will only be activated in HomePod 16.3.

Also read: Checking the temperature with your HomePod mini: this is how you do it

Added new ambient sounds

With the new update, new ambient sounds have been added to the HomePod. You can add these ambient sounds to certain scenes, automations and alarms in the Home app. These automations can be set up in HomePod 16.3 with Siri, so you don’t even have to reach for your iPhone.

Voice control with the HomePod has also been refined with the new update. If you give the HomePod a command for a HomeKit device in another room or for a HomeKit device that you don’t immediately see that the command has been executed, the HomePod now gives a special sound signal. This way you can be sure that the assignment has been received correctly.

‘Find My’ feature has been added to the HomePod 16.3

The ‘Find My’ function has also been added to the new HomePod. With this function you can request the location of your friends with the smart speaker. If someone has shared their location with you, you can use Siri to request the location via the HomePod. A handy function if you want to quickly check when your family comes home!

HomePod 2018 and HomePod 2023 get better audio tuning

The large version of the speaker gets better with HomePod 16.3 audio tuning. This is especially noticeable when listening to podcasts and audio books, the voices sound clearer. This update will be brought to both the first and second generation HomePod.

In addition, the HomePod 2018 gets more volume frequencies. This means that you can turn the speaker down in more steps, so that you can control the volume better. So you never have to deal with too soft or too loud a volume.

This is how you install the new HomePod update

The new HomePod update is available and can be found in the Home app. Do you want access to the new features? HomePod 16.3 can be downloaded in the following way:

Often the HomePod updates automatically, but this can take a while. It is therefore useful to check for yourself in the Home app whether software updates are available. If there is no update listed under software updates, your HomePod is probably already updated automatically.

Buy HomePod (mini)? Check the best prices

Don’t have a smart speaker at home yet? The HomePod 2023 is already available for pre-order on a number of websites and will be released on February 3. Don’t feel like waiting? The HomePod mini can be ordered immediately. Check out the best prices in our price comparison here:

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