By Leanne Hays
After you've downloaded the latest version of iOS to your iPhone or iPad, you'll need to make sure that your HomePod gets a software update, too. The HomePod automatically updates software, but sometimes there's a bit of lag time. Let's learn how to check if your HomePod has completed the download, and how to update the HomePod's software if an automatic update hasn't occurred.
By Leanne Hays
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
If your HomePod or HomePod mini is not turning on, you may feel like throwing it out the window and starting fresh with a brand-new one, but there are a few things to try before you rush out for a replacement. Here are all the steps to try to get your HomePod working again and how to know when it's time to call Apple.
By Kenya Smith
HomePods allow you to play music in different areas of the same house at one time. While you can only pair two HomePods together at once, you can treat two stereo-paired HomePods as one speaker, allowing you to connect another HomePod to the pair. Let’s take a deeper look.
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Why does my HomePod keep disconnecting? If your HomePod or HomePod mini keeps disconnecting, there could be several factors at play. Here are the steps to try before you contact Apple Support.
By August Garry
As much as we love technology, we have always been suspicious of it. You only need to look to our horror stories to understand that: from 2001: A Space Odyssey to The Ring to M3GAN, we are captivated by the idea of what happens when technology turns on us. Even Frankenstein, considered by many the first true science-fiction story, is about the dangers inherent in toying with technology whose consequences we can’t fully understand.
By Rhett Intriago
The HomePod is one of the best smart speakers on the market. The Google Home and Amazon Echo offer similar experiences, and both are compatible with any phone. What about the HomePod? Do you need an iPhone to connect to HomePod? The short answer is yes, but there are some caveats we'll go over below.
By Hal Goldstein
Around Thanksgiving, 1985, not knowing anything about printing, publishing, or running a business, my late wife Rita and I launched our company and first print publication: a 32-page newsletter about making the most of the Hewlett Packard 110 Portable PC. For 38 years, we’ve published print issues helping tech enthusiasts—first of HP, then Microsoft, and finally of Apple products—238 issues in all. With the summer 2023 issue of iPhone Life, the print streak ends.
By Amy Spitzfaden Both
Creating a stereo pair with two Apple HomePod mini or HomePod speakers can create a rich sound experience that cannot be accomplished with one HomePod alone! Songs that are meant to be heard in stereo can reach their full potential, and your paired HomePod minis can become speakers for your Apple TV. We’ll teach you how to set up a HomePod or HomePod mini stereo speaker, whether you're starting fresh or already have two HomePods set up.
By Olena Kagui
Apple surprised HomePod mini owners with the iOS 16.3 update that activated a previously unused sensor sitting on our shelves. This HomePod sensor not only measures your home's temperature and humidity but can also trigger HomeKit automations for your smart home setup! This means that a change in temperature or humidity can turn on your AC or dehumidifier as long as they are compatible.
By Olena Kagui
If you have enabled "Hey Siri" on your HomePod and other devices, then yes, Siri is always listening to you. But that doesn't mean that it is analyzing your conversations. All this means is that your HomePod, like your iPhone or other Apple devices, is listening to see if you say "Hey Siri" so that it can assist you. Let's dig a little deeper.
By Olena Kagui
During the HomePod mini Bluetooth pairing process, you have to keep your iPhone close. However, once your HomePod is set up, it will have a surprisingly good range. I will clarify how far you can be without needing to raise your voice and give you tips for improving it.
By Olena Kagui
People often wonder if they can use their HomePod mini as a portable Bluetooth speaker since they are perfectly palm-sized! Unfortunately, there is no HomePod mini battery, so it needs to be plugged in in order to work. I'll give you two solutions to make your HomePod portable and walk you through ways to use it while on the go.
By Olena Kagui
Smart speakers are a nifty addition to any high-tech home, and the go-to for Apple users is, of course, the HomePod mini. With the original HomePod discontinued, the colorful mini version is now the best and only option. This article will cover everything you need to know about the Homepod mini battery life.
By Olena Kagui
HomePods are Apple's smart speakers that work with Siri as your virtual assistant. Since they can respond to voice commands, many HomePod-related privacy and security concerns have arisen. While it is technically possible to eavesdrop with a HomePod, it doesn't work as one would imagine. I will teach you the steps to keep you safe from being overheard.
Warmer weather has us spending more time outside, and sometimes we bring our favorite devices along. But is your iPhone waterproof? What if you splash water on your Mac? Spilled water on Apple keyboard? Do you need a waterproof iPad case? Can you wear an Apple Watch in the pool? I'll answer all these questions and tell you how to dry your wet phone or other Apple device safely!
By Sarah Kingsbury
Apple introduced new MacBook Pros at its October 18 'Unleashed' event, with the option to purchase with the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip. While the latest iterations of the M1 chip are impressive, Mac fans will probably be just as excited about all the new ports, the 1080P FaceTime camera, mechanical function keys in place of the Touch Bar, and the return of MagSafe to MacBooks. While the MacBook Pro was the main event, Apple also unveiled third-generation AirPods, additional color options for the HomePod mini, and a voice-only Apple Music subscription tier. Here's everything you need to know about the latest MacBooks, AirPods, and HomePod minis, including when you can get your hands on them!
By Ashleigh Page
As Tim Cook explained during the October 18 Apple event, 'Unleashed,' recent innovations to Apple products have been focused on "music and Macs." Let's talk music, specifically the new tier in Apple Music's subscription options, the Apple Music Voice Plan and the new HomePod mini colors Apple announced at the same time. We'll cover the pros and cons of this monthly plan and discuss how it compares to other Apple Music subscriptions options and third-party music services.
By August Garry
If you’re looking to customize Siri's iOS 14.2 What’s My Update feature, the short answer is: you can’t. You can remove (or add, if you’ve previously removed it) the short news clip Siri will play through the Podcasts app, but otherwise the rundown of your day Siri gives you will remain the same. Hopefully in the future, Apple will add more customization options for this feature, but for now, let’s take a minute to learn how to add or remove the daily news update from What’s My Update.
By Olena Kagui
The Apple HomeKit Hub gives you control over your smart home appliances using your Apple devices. You can make your Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad a HomeKit hub to give yourself more flexibility. Here’s how to set up each device as a HomeKit Hub in just a few simple steps.
