With software update 26, all HomePod models get useful improvements for daily use. Apple focuses on small but noticeable innovations that influence how you listen to music and manage your smart speaker.
The most important additions are Crossfade support for Apple Music and the possibility to manually choose a WiFi network. Both functions were already known for other Apple devices, but now finally make their appearance on the HomePod.
HomePod Software update 26
Software update version 26 adds only a few small innovations to Apple’s smart speakers. The aforementioned new functions were already known for other Apple devices, but now finally make their appearance on the HomePod.
Software update 26 For HomePod can be installed on the first and second generation HomePod and the HomePod Mini.
Crossfade support for Apple Music
With Update 26, the HomePod can finally use Crossfade, making Apple Music songs smoothly into each other without silences. The transition period can be set from 1 to 12 seconds. This function was already available on iPhone, iPad and Mac. It makes listening to music more pleasant because the songs seamlessly connect.
- Open the home tab in the app of the same name
- Tap the three silence
- Go to ‘Housing Settings’
- Tap your name in the list
- Select ‘Apple Music’
- Call in the ‘Crossfade’ option
- Choose a desired transition period
Crossfade support on the HomePod (Mini) only works when playing music via Apple Music and is therefore only suitable for users with an Apple Music subscription. The function is not available when playing music from other services or via AirPlay from other devices.
Automix is ​​missing
For iOS 26, iPados 26 and Macos Tahoe has added Apple Automix. This new AI-controlled function automatically mixes numbers together without breaks or abrupt transitions. Automix goes beyond the traditional Crossfade and adjusts transitions to rhythm and style, which is especially pleasant with playlists and listening non-stops. Strangely enough, this option is not available on the HomePod
Choose WiFi network manually
Until now, the HomePod automatically joined the same WiFi network as the iPhone or iPad with which it is set. This was sometimes difficult with connection problems. With Update 26 it becomes possible to manually view and change the WiFi network of the HomePod via the accessory settings in the home app.
- Open the home tab in the app of the same name
- Put your finger on the HomePod tile
- Choose ‘accessory settings’
- Scroll down to ‘Wifin network’
- Tap the current network
You can then adjust the network and connect to another WiFi network. This makes solving connection problems a lot easier and is also useful if you move the HomePod to another location.
Apple TV calls via the HomePod
With TVOS 26, reports from Facetime Audio and telephone calls are also displayed on Apple TV. If you have linked a homepod as a speaker for your Apple TV, you can have the conversation directly via this speaker. If the HomePod is not set as an audio output, the microphone and speaker of your iPhone are automatically used for the telephone conversation.