Apple HomePod, HomePod mini Receiving iOS 14.2.1 Update With General Improvements

The update is just 33.8MB, and can be accessed through the Home app.

By Ali Pardiwala | Updated: 8 December 2020 12:50 IST

Apple HomePod, HomePod mini Receiving iOS 14.2.1 Update With General Improvements

The Apple HomePod mini is priced at Rs. 9,900 in India

Highlights

Apple HomePod and HomePod mini are receiving a new software update
The HomePod mini was announced in October this year
The iOS 14.2.1 update for the HomePod series brings general improvements

Apple HomePod and HomePod mini are receiving the iOS 14.2.1 software update through a specific build meant for the smart speakers. The new software update for the smart speaker range from Apple weighs in at just 33.8MB, and can be accessed and applied using the Home app on an iOS device linked to the smart speakers. Although not a major update that brings new features, the 14.2.1 build does promises general improvements for the smart speaker range from Apple.

As mentioned, the software update is available through the Home app for iOS, and can be downloaded and installed from there. Once applied to the HomePod or HomePod mini, the smart speaker will be running iOS 14.2.1 through a specific build for the speaker, even if your iOS device is running an older version of the software. The update is 33.8MB, and was available for us on an iPad mini (2019) linked to a HomePod mini.

The update notes state that it brings performance and stability improvements for the HomePod and HomePod mini. No new features have been released for the smart speakers with this update, although some could be coming with the iOS 14.3 update which is expected in the coming weeks. Apple earlier released iOS 14.2.1 only for the iPhone 12 series, while older iOS devices are still running on iOS 14.2.

Apple recently launched the HomePod mini, which is priced at Rs. 9,900 in India. Earlier this year, the company finally launched the larger HomePod in India for Rs. 19,900, which had been available globally since 2018. Both the smart speakers work well within the Apple ecosystem, with support for Siri and Apple Music to stream music through voice commands. There is also AirPlay support for connectivity with other devices, including Apple's Mac computers and televisions from various manufacturers such as LG and Sony.

Are iPhone 12 mini, HomePod mini the Perfect Apple Devices for India? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.

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Apple HomePod Speaker

KEY SPECS

Model HomePod

Color Space Gray, White

Power Requirement 100V to 240V AC

Touchpad Yes

Network connectivity Bluetooth v5.0, Wi-Fi 802.11ac

Display included No

Apple HomePod mini

REVIEW
KEY SPECS

Design
Smart Features
Audio Quality
Value For Money

Good
Looks great 
Clean, detailed sound 
Excellent soundstage 
Works very well within the Apple ecosystem

Bad
Some connectivity issues with stereo pairing 
Limited smart capabilities

Read detailed Apple HomePod mini review

Model HomePod mini

Touchpad Yes

Comments

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Further reading: Apple, Apple HomePod, Apple HomePod mini, Apple HomePod price in India, Apple HomePod mini Price in India, AirPlay, HomePod, iOS, iOS Update