Apple HomePod gets new software update ahead of rumored HomePod 2 launch

Here’s how to update your HomePod’s software

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

Appleis pushing out a new software update to its flagshipsmart speaker, theApple HomePod, amid rumors that a successor to thewireless speakeris on the way.

The 13.4.8 software update was launched alongsideiOS 13.6, which has rolled out to iPhone users around the world, bringing a new feature that allows you to unlock your car with your smartphone.

According to Apple’s release notes, the HomePod update will bring “general improvements for stability and quality”, so it doesn’t sound like we’ll be getting any significant new features.

The software update should be installed automatically, but you can install it manually if you prefer. To do that, open up the Home app on your iPhone or iPad, and select Software Update. Then, pull down from the top of your screen to see if there is an update available – if there is, hit Install.

What about the Apple HomePod 2?

The fact that no big changes are coming to the HomePod as part of this update isn’t a huge surprise; after all, it’s rumored that theApple HomePod 2will launch this year, and it wouldn’t make sense for Apple to bring a raft of new features to a product that will soon be succeeded by a new smart speaker.

We’ve seen evidence thatApple is trying to get rid of its existing HomePod stock, with some fantasticHomePod dealsavailable around the world as well as hefty staff discounts.

Details of theHomePod 2 and new Apple TVwere also recently revealed in a report fromBloomberg. According to the report, Apple employees are going fullsteamahead to get the company’s 2020 slate of products into the hands of consumers, despite the disruption to their usual working practices.

Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.

Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.

The next feasible release window for the HomePod 2 is in September, when we’re expecting to see aniPhone 12 release date. However, nothing has been confirmed by Apple, so we could be waiting a while for the new smart speaker to emerge – if it even exists, that is.

ViaMacRumors

Olivia was previously TechRadar’s Senior Editor - Home Entertainment, covering everything from headphones to TVs. Based in London, she’s a popular music graduate who worked in the music industry before finding her calling in journalism. She’s previously been interviewed on BBC Radio 5 Live on the subject of multi-room audio, chaired panel discussions on diversity in music festival lineups, and her bylines include T3, Stereoboard, What to Watch, Top Ten Reviews, Creative Bloq, and Croco Magazine. Olivia now has a career in PR.

Ignore the Nintendo Alarmo hype, I recommend this Echo Spot Prime Day deal instead

You can now get an Echo Pop themed to your favorite NFL team

This new malware utilizes a rare programming language to evade traditional detection methods