Apple's HomePod 12.1 Software Missing for Most HomePod Users [Update: Fixed] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple's HomePod 12.1 Software Missing for Most HomePod Users [Update: Fixed]

Apple has been updating the HomePod software alongside major iOS updates, so it was something of a surprise when iOS 12.1 was released yesterday with no accompanying HomePod 12.1 software to go along with it.

As it turns out, though, there is a HomePod 12.1 update, it just appears to be bugged for those who updated their HomePod to the version 12 software after updating to iOS 12.

homepod duo
On Reddit, a user who purchased a brand new HomePod running HomePod software version 11 was able to update to the 12.1 software, which apparently includes stability updates and bug fixes.

On Twitter, developer Khaos Tian said that Apple is offering up the HomePod update with an internal URL that prevents people from downloading it.


Apple may be able to fix this HomePod software issue relatively easily, so we could see the HomePod 12.1 software become available for download shortly.

Update: Just after this article was posted, Apple made the HomePod 12.1 software available. It can be downloaded from the Home app on the iPhone and the iPad by tapping on the house-shaped icon in the upper left, tapping on "Home Settings," selecting your home, and choosing the "Software Update" option.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

Return Zero Avatar
97 months ago
Manually checking and installing these updates on my living room HomePods while I'm away at work doesn't seem like it will ever get old.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macduke Avatar
97 months ago
Even Apple didn't know it was bugged and we're just now getting the story a day later. Just goes to show how few people have Homepods. If this were any other Apple device people would be all over asking where the update is.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mike MA Avatar
97 months ago
Just thinking, hope that HomePods can’t brick as massively and non repairable as the Apple Watch does.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bbednarz Avatar
97 months ago
Manually checking and installing these updates on my living room HomePods while I'm away at work doesn't seem like it will ever get old.
Wish the Apple TVs could do this too!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SantaFeNM Avatar
97 months ago
Mines showing no update to 12.1. I’m running 12.0. Rebooted phone and HomePod no go.

Strange.
Mine was doing the same. Had to swipe down on the Software Update page and then it showed up.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MrGimper Avatar
97 months ago
- Hey, Tim, it looks like we’ve never uploaded the update for the HomePod.
- for home what?!
- you know that speaker that we released at the beginning of the year
- oh...
“But we announced it soooo long before the launch, it’s officially obsolete now and that’s why I forgot about it”
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)