Apple Releases HomePod 16.5 Software

Thursday May 18, 2023 10:03 am PDT by Juli Clover

Alongside the iOS 16.5, iPadOS 16.5, tvOS 16.5, and macOS Ventura 13.4 updates, Apple has released new 16.5 software created for the HomePod and HomePod mini.

HomePod 2 White and Midnight Feature Blue Orange
According to Apple's release notes, the update adds stability and performance improvements to the ‌HomePod‌.

‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ software is installed automatically on the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌ unless the feature is disabled‌‌‌‌, but the ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌HomePod‌‌‌‌‌‌‌ can also be manually updated in the Home app by following the instructions in our HomePod‌‌ update how to.

Related Roundups: HomePod, HomePod mini

Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral), HomePod Mini (Don't Buy)

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Top Rated Comments

macmac30

36 months ago

I sure hope they fix the “Who’s speaking?” problem! Also, I noticed yesterday with 16.5 HomePod Mini, I said “Play my favorites” just like I have said hundreds of times before and it started playing a single song called Favorites by some unknown artist… ugggg ?. Tip for Apple QA engineers if you don’t do so already: Focus on the interactions where people use swear words. You will quickly see how and where Siri messes up!

Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)

benoit79

36 months ago

This is another extremely terrible HomePod OS from Apple. It took only about 30 seconds after the upgrade for my HomePods to crash and stop playing music.

I'll have to do more tests, but I think this update is as bad as the mediocre OS 16.4 update.

Apple, if you do read all the complaints on the Internet, please rollback to OS 15.7. It was working well. OS 16 is just a huge mistake that should have never been release. 16.5 is another proof that it isn’t working. I bought HomePods to listen to music. Not to restart them every day multiple times per day!

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

steevn

36 months ago

Hope it fixes how much latency and missed connections there is over Airplay.

I'd prefer direct Bluetooth streaming. It's prove and works better than Airplay.

Also, there is too much bass and too little treble. The Equalizer that is available in the Music app needs to be a system wide panel available in Settings app.

Out of all the Airplay products I have used, HomePods have been the worst at Airplay. Sonos Airplay is flawless in my experience.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

allseeingi’s

36 months ago

I sure hope they fix the “Who’s speaking?” problem! Also, I noticed yesterday with 16.5 HomePod Mini, I said “Play my favorites” just like I have said hundreds of times before and it started playing a single song called Favorites by some unknown artist… ugggg ?. Tip for Apple QA engineers if you don’t do so already: Focus on the interactions where people use swear words. You will quickly see how and where Siri messes up!

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

smithrh

36 months ago

Sounds feels overall improved, richer for sure with fuller bass (compared to the same songs I listened to yesterday before the update).

Base definitely back to what it was when it first came out years ago. I had to turn it down a few times already to make sure I wasn't bugging the neighbors...

Why Apple keeps dicking around with this is beyond me.

Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)