By William Gallagher | September 24, 2024
Apple has withdrawn the latest beta test version of HomePod software (version 18.1) after receiving multiple reports of the devices crashing or becoming unresponsive after installation. The update, which was released to developers, was causing issues with some HomePod minis, leading to them being bricked — essentially rendered unusable.
According to reports from the AppleInsider forums, users began to notice problems shortly after the beta update was released. Jeromec, a user on the forums, reported that two HomePod minis became unresponsive after attempting to install the software update. The devices would not restore and showed no signs of life, with the indicator light turning white, then red, and finally vanishing without the usual three audio beeps indicating a successful restart.
Nicols Alvarez, another user, later reported that he was able to use Apple Configurator to restore his HomePod minis to version 18.0, a previous stable release. The update has been officially pulled, and the version is now back to 18.1 beta 1.
Apple did not announce the withdrawal of the update, and the news was first spotted by MacRumors. This is not the first time Apple has withdrawn an update due to issues; just a week prior, the company pulled iPadOS 18 updates from select iPads with the M4 processor, which were also causing devices to become bricked.
It remains unclear when a fixed version of the update will be released, and whether the issue affects only the HomePod mini or the larger HomePod as well. Apple has not commented on the matter.
Background
The HomePod mini is a compact smart speaker designed to work with Apple’s ecosystem, providing users with a convenient way to control their Apple devices and access various services through voice commands. The software update (version 18.1) was intended to improve the device’s functionality and performance, but the beta version introduced bugs that rendered some devices unusable.
Conclusion
Apple is known for its rigorous testing process and commitment to quality, but issues like these can still arise, especially with beta releases. Users who are experiencing problems with their HomePod minis after installing the 18.1 beta update should revert to version 18.0 using Apple Configurator or contact Apple Support for assistance. Stay tuned for further updates on when a fixed version of the software will be available.
Sources:
– AppleInsider Forums
– MacRumors
Related Links:
– AppleInsider
– MacRumors
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