The New iOS Update Is (Probably) Safe For Homepods This Time

The recent iOS 13.2 update introduced some new HomePod features to the iPhone, but many users report that installing the patch left their HomePod speakers bricked. Apple pulled the update in response and promised to release a new build without the HomePod-ruining bug.

The new version—iOS 13.2.1—rolls out today and should be safe to install on your HomePods—at least, we think that’s the case. The iOS 13.2.1 patch notes make no mention of the bug or whether it was fixed, and are identical to the original 13.2 patch notes. Both The Verge and Mac Rumours suggest this may indicate that version 13.2.1 won’t damage HomePod devices since Apple wouldn’t be pushing a new update that it wasn’t confident was safe.

Then again, the company probably thought the same about the iOS 13.2 update, too, so who knows?

We’ll of course update if 13.2.1 turns out not to be safe, either. We don’t blame you if you decide to hold off a little longer, but for those who want to install the update, here’s how to update to iOS 13.2.1 right now:

  1. First, open your iPhone’s Settings menu then go to General > Software Update to install the new patch.

  2. Once your iPhone has been updated to iOS 13.2.1, open the Home app

  3. Tap “Home” in the upper-left of the screen

  4. Tap “Software Update” to check for any new updates, then tap “Install,” which will update all your connected HomePod devices to iOS 13.2.1.

Note that this only works on HomePods that still operate; it won’t restore functionality to bricked speakers. The only fix for that is to replace your busted HomePods—which Apple may do free of charge even if you’re out of warranty as per reporting by Mac Rumours, but you’ll need to submit the request through Apple Support immediately.

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