In the wake of the more widely publicised iOS 15, iPadOS 15, tvOS 15 and watchOS 8 updates, Apple has quietly shipped HomePod OS 15, the latest version of the software that runs on the company’s HomePod and HomePod mini smart speakers.
It may not have received as much publicity, but for owners of those devices HomePod OS 15 will be just as important, since it upgrades their speakers with a set of new features at no additional cost.
Here are the new features on offer this time:
- Siri can finally adjust its own volume based on the sound level in the room and how loud you speak. A long-awaited novelty for those who’ve tried to whisper a command and received a loud response back.
- Support for using the HomePod mini as a speaker for Apple TV, either alone or as a stereo pair.
- Media controls automatically appear on the iPhone if you’re near a HomePod mini playing something.
- HomePod gets a special mode you can activate that lowers the volume of the bass so as not to disturb the neighbours late at night, for example.
- Siri on HomePod can now control Apple TV.
- You can now control HomeKit gadgets with time stamps, such as “turn off lights in half an hour”.
- You can control HomePod via other HomeKit-compatible devices.
- HomeKit Secure Video can now also recognise packages and send a notification.
Normally, updates to HomePod and HomePod mini are installed automatically, but if you want to check which version is running, you can do so via the Home app on your iPhone or iPad. There you can also turn off the automatic update if you wish.
Find bargains on Apple’s speakers with our guide to the best HomePod deals.
This article originally appeared on Macworld Sweden. Translation and additional reporting by David Price.