Apple announced new versions of its operating systems during the WWDC 2022 keynote, including iOS 16, macOS 13, tvOS 16, and watchOS 9. The company is making its beta software available to developers and public beta users ahead of the official release in the fall, except for the HomePod software. This year, HomePod software 16 - also known as audioOS 16 - will be available to public beta users for the first time.
The HomePod software beta isn't really new, but it was only available to a select group of users. To put it in perspective, Apple has three different channels for distributing beta software. The most well-known is the Apple Developer Program, which offers new betas first so developers can update their apps before the final release. Then, Apple releases its beta software to users enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program—anyone can sign up to download beta software. What many people don't know is that the company has a third channel for beta software called AppleSeed, through which beta software is distributed exclusively to invited users.
HomePod Software 16 Beta is being expanded
In the past, Apple has used AppleSeed to distribute beta software that was far from ready to get into the hands of regular users. For example, before the release of a public beta program for watchOS, the software was only available through AppleSeed because it could render the device unusable and there is no way to restore it. It's a similar story with the HomePod software, which is not available on any of Apple's beta channels other than AppleSeed. Loud However, Apple will make HomePod Software 16 available to users participating in the Apple Beta Software Program and the Apple Developer Program.
New public betas for iOS 16, iPadOS 16, macOS Ventura, tvOS 16, HomePod software version 16, and watchOS 9 are coming soon. As a member of the Apple Beta Software Program, you can help shape Apple software development by testing pre-release versions and sharing your thoughts.
Unfortunately, even developer You cannot install the HomePod Software 16 beta at the moment. Apple says the beta update will be available next month. It is also unclear what is new in HomePod Software 16. Betas for iOS 16, macOS 13, watchOS 9 and tvOS 16 are available to developers now. (Photo by Unsplash / Ivan Bandura)