Every year, Apple reveals the latest software updates to its product line at WWDC in June. That’s just as true this year as every other year, with Apple lifting the lid on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, tvOS 15 and macOS Monterey in early June 2021. There is one product missing from that list though: the HomePod.
While Apple didn’t spend much – or any, frankly – time focusing on the HomePod and HomePod Mini at WWDC 2021, that doesn’t mean updates aren’t in the works.
As reported near the launch of Apple Music Lossless in June, Apple is looking to add Dolby Atmos support to its smart speaker range, and it’s currently in the process of beta testing the functionality.
That might come as a surprise to many given the fact that you can’t currently sign up to a HomePod beta program as part of Apple’s Public Beta Software Program, which provides early access to most other software updates ahead of release later this year. In fact, it’s not even accessible to developers via the paid Apple Developer portal either.
So, how can you sign up to test the HomePod Software 15 beta and trial Dolby Atmos support on the HomePod and HomePod Mini? The short – and disappointing – answer is that you can’t.
As reported by several outlets, Apple has decided to keep the HomePod beta from large swathes of owners, with the software only available through the AppleSeed program. That might not be a term you’ve heard too often, and that’s because it’s only accessible to a select few users invited by Apple directly – there’s no way to sign up or even register interest that you’d like to be a part of the AppleSeed program.
While that may be disappointing news for some HomePod and HomePod Mini owners, the silver lining is that the update will likely make an appearance alongside the rest of the next big software updates this autumn, possibly alongside iOS 15 expected in September. That’s not too far away now, right?
If you’re curious about the big iPhone update coming later this year and want to give it a spin ahead of launch, take a look at how to install the iOS 15 beta.
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Author: Lewis Painter, Senior Staff Writer
Lewis Painter is a Senior Staff Writer at Tech Advisor. Our resident Apple expert, Lewis covers everything from iPhone to AirPods, plus a range of smartphones, tablets, laptops and gaming hardware. You'll also find him on the Tech Advisor YouTube channel.