HomePod OS 16.3 rolled out Tuesday, Jan. 24 to devices, bringing a slew of highly-anticipated features including temperature and humidity sensing to the HomePod mini. Although the HomePod mini has had a built-in temperature and humidity sensor since it first debuted, it has remained dormant. Apple unveiled the second-generation HomePod on Jan. 18 with temperature and humidity sensing features, and said it would bring those features to the HomePod mini in a subsequent software update. A day after iOS 16.3 was sent out to iPhones, the corresponding HomePod OS update is now available for download and installation on HomePod and HomePod mini.
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HomePods are managed via their connected devices, including iPhone, through the Home app. After an iPhone connected to the same Apple ID account as the HomePod is updated to iOS 16.3, users will see the latest HomePod OS update become available. By default, HomePod and HomePod mini will automatically update without any manual involvement. HomePod OS 16.3 brings a few key features, but none is more notable than temperature and humidity sensing on the HomePod mini. The tiny smart speaker becomes the first Apple device with that functionality, since the second-generation HomePod isn't available for purchase until Feb. 3. With the feature, users can ask for the metrics or set up automations that take action based on temperature and humidity levels.
Related: HomePod 1st-Gen vs. 2nd-Gen: Is It Time To Upgrade?
HomePod OS 16.3 Brings Improved Find My Integration
Find My support is a key part of the HomePod's appeal — users can simply ask Siri for help finding a lost device or AirTag while in their home — and it's getting more powerful. With HomePod OS 16.3, users can now ask Siri for the location of friends and family. Previously, this information was only available through the Find My app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iCloud's web client. The feature only works if the person a user is looking for has shared their location with the user.
Additionally, Apple says it has improved audio quality for spoken content on both the first and second-generation HomePod. Audio will now be specifically tune for spoken content when applicable, like while listening to podcasts. Notably, the HomePod mini isn't getting this tweak with HomePod OS 16.3.
Apple also altered some of the sounds that play on HomePod and HomePod mini in a few different situations. The ambient sounds that play with scenes, automations, and alarms have been remastered to make them feel more realistic and immersive. Siri's recognizable confirmation tone will now play when smart home requests are completed for certain accessories. For example, if Siri is asked to raise the blinds in another room, it'll play a tone, so the user knows the blinds were adjusted without checking.
HomePod OS 16.3 will enable temperature and humidity sensing on the second-generation HomePod as well, though it hasn't released yet.
