Apple Seeds First HomePod Software 16 Public Beta for HomePod Mini - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Apple Seeds First HomePod Software 16 Public Beta for HomePod Mini

Alongside the first iOS 16 public beta, Apple today also released a HomePod Software 16 update that is available to public beta testers. This marks the first time that Apple has provided a ‌HomePod‌ beta to its public beta testing group.

homepod mini color bars
The ‌HomePod‌ Software 16 update can be downloaded from Apple's beta site after installing the iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 software updates. From there, users will need to go to the Home app, select the Settings option, and choose Software Update.

‌HomePod‌ users with the iOS 16 or iPadOS 16 update can then enroll their HomePod mini in the beta program. According to the public beta website, the ‌HomePod‌ Software 16 beta is only available for the ‌HomePod mini‌ and it cannot be downloaded on the larger ‌HomePod‌.

Related Roundup: HomePod mini

Popular Stories

HomePod mini 2000 Days Old Thumb 2

What's Happening With the HomePod Mini 2? All the Current Rumors

Tuesday April 7, 2026 3:03 pm PDT by
The $99 HomePod mini is now over 2,000 days old, which means it has been five and a half years since it received a meaningful update. Apple is working on a new model, but launch rumors have come and gone due to Siri issues. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Apple introduced the HomePod mini in October 2020, and refreshed the color options in 2021, but it is way...
iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

Why You Might Want to Wait to Buy a MacBook Pro

Friday May 1, 2026 3:43 pm PDT by
Apple refreshed the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max models in March 2026, but depending on your needs and interests, you might want to skip this generation because there's something better in the works. The M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models have faster chips, but the same design that Apple has used since 2021. An updated design with new display technology and faster ...

Top Rated Comments

joshwenke Avatar
50 months ago
Do not install! The current production HomePod software is already a beta, so this is really an alpha version.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
50 months ago
I'm throwing this on my Bedroom HomePod right now. Taking one for the team. Wish me luck.



Attachment Image
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B/D Avatar
50 months ago

I'm sure the half dozen users around the world will enjoy this update.
And I´m sure this comment wasn't really necessary.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
B/D Avatar
50 months ago

Yeah....I'll sit this one out, do enjoy my OG HomePods
The original homepod will get audioOS 16 too, but the public beta can only be installed on the Mini, probably because currently is the only HP model that can be restored manually if something goes wrong.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
50 months ago
Yeah....I'll sit this one out, do enjoy my OG HomePods
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
50 months ago
This is for souls braver than I.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Related Apple News: South Africa | Travel | Local News | Culture | Health