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Apple Releases 12.4 Software for HomePod With Support for Taiwan and Japan Launch

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Alongside the release of iOS 12.4 with its new data migration tools for iOS devices, Apple today released a new 12.4 software update designed for the HomePod.

The new ‌HomePod‌ software will be installed automatically on the ‌HomePod‌ after you update to iOS 12.4, but you can also manually update and check your software version by following the instructions in our HomePod software how to.

homepod duo
According to the release notes for the update, the 12.4 software brings support for ‌HomePod‌ to Japan and Taiwan, where the speaker will soon be available for purchase.

There were no other mentions of bug fixes or feature changes in the release notes for the update.

Top Rated Comments

iAssimilated Avatar
93 months ago
I currently have two Homepods (one for a year and the second for approx. three months) and neither have had me re-enter my password.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DoctorTech Avatar
93 months ago
I have 7 HomePods (three stereo pairs, and a single in the guest room) and my biggest complaint is they continually require re-entering of my Apple password.

I’m not sure whether it’s a time thing, or what triggers it, but sure enough the HomePod icon in the Home app prompts me to enter my password. (I have different logins for iCloud and iTunes Store, and it wants passwords for both accounts.)

It’s a real pain. Anybody else experiencing this?

Hopefully it’s not a “security feature” and rather a bug that might actually be fixed sooner than later.
I have 2 home pods (soon to be 3, all in different rooms). I have never had to re-enter my Apple password so I think it may be unique to your setup
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
93 months ago
That’s not much for people outside Japan and Taiwan.
Kind lite on the info. Obviously, they would not have released it to everyone without some reason.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
93 months ago
Both HomePod owners rejoice.
Honestly, I feel like the only thing good about the homepod is the sound. The software/connectivity is garbage. Well I guess that's what we get for being first adopters.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BarrettF77 Avatar
93 months ago
Siri is an idiot. But the sound quality has improved.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
93 months ago
Personally I feel that Siri’s listening and understanding capabilities have degraded over time. It’s really quite frustrating at times.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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