Apple Releases HomePod 16.5 Software

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

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Coming Next Week: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

Thursday September 4, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
We're only days away from Apple's "Awe dropping" fall event scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 9 – and along with the new iPhone 17 series, we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023. By the time the Ultra 3 is unveiled, it will have been two years since the previous model arrived. The intervening period has left plenty of room for...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 AIR Loud Feature

iPhone 17 Air Could Start at $1,099 With 256GB Storage, 1TB for $1,499

Thursday September 4, 2025 2:54 am PDT by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will have a $1,099 starting price providing 256GB of base storage and will max out at $1,499 with a 1TB option, according to the latest TrendForce report. Apple will offer three price/storage tiers for the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model, which replaces last year's iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup. Here's how TrendForce sees them breaking down: 256GB — $1099...

Top Rated Comments

macmac30 Avatar
30 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 Avatar
30 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 Avatar
30 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 Avatar
30 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 Avatar
30 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)
Solver Avatar
30 months ago
Thread network updated to v1.3.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)