HomePod 26 adds three new features to Apple’s smart speakers

Apple has released HomePod version 26, the latest software update for HomePod and HomePod mini. Here’s what’s new.

HomePod 26 software update brings Crossfade, AirPlay, and Wi-Fi improvements

Today Apple launched macOS Tahoe, among a variety of other new OS versions.

Although HomePod version 26 contains far fewer updates and new features, it does offer three improvements.

1. Crossfade for Apple Music
2. AirPlay improvements
3. Wi-Fi network switching

Crossfade in Apple Music has been available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac for years. But the HomePod never supported the feature.

Now, while iOS 26 is gaining a new AutoMix feature in Apple Music, HomePod at least catches up a little bit by adding Crossfade.

Per Apple’s release notes:

Crossfade on HomePod smoothly transitions between songs by fading out the currently playing song while fading in the next so the music never stops.

If you use AirPlay often with your HomePod, there’s also a new improvement to how Siri can control AirPlay content.

When using AirPlay to play audio on HomePod, you can now ask Siri on HomePod to play to another HomePod speaker in your home.

Finally, though it’s not mentioned in Apple’s notes, HomePod beta users noticed that there’s a new Wi-Fi option inside the Home app.

With today’s update, you can now manually choose which the Wi-Fi network to connect your HomePod to. Previously, HomePod was supposed to connect to the same network as your iPhone or iPad, but manually changing its connection wasn’t possible.

Apple also says that today’s update includes “bug fixes and stability improvements.”

Here’s hoping we see a lot more activity on the HomePod software front when the HomePad/HomePod Touch ships next spring.

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