The HomePod are Apple’s own smart speaker and it relies on Siri to perform certain actions. Given that Siri is a software, it also means that it can be updated, such as with improvements, new features, and so on, but how will the HomePod receive its updates? Plug it into a computer?
According to the folks at 9to5Mac, it seems that the HomePod will receive its software updates via OTA through the Home app. For those unfamiliar, the Home app is Apple’s app which basically controls all HomeKit-connected devices, and we guess the HomePod will be one of them.
Users will be alerted whenever updates are available and they can launch the app to update it manually, although the report also claims that there will be an option to update it automatically as and when updates are available. Note that HomePod runs on a special version of iOS, which means that it should receive its updates whenever iOS is updated as well.
The HomePod speakers are currently available for pre-order where they are priced at $350, and will be released come 9th of February, 2018. So far initial reviews of the speakers appear to be pretty positive, but we guess we’ll have to wait and see how the general public reacts to them and whether or not the $350 price tag might be too steep for some.