Apple has pulled the HomePod 18.1 beta 2 software update after users complained about bricked HomePod mini devices.
Several HomePod mini Devices Bricked by the Latest 18.1 Beta 2 Software Update for HomePod – Apple Quickly Pulls Update
Just when you thought iPadOS 18.0 was the only update that spelled bad news for users, the latest HomePod beta software update ends up bricking HomePod mini devices for several users.
Several users reported about the issue on various social media platforms as well as the MacRumors forum. When the issue was raised, Apple quickly pulled the update. However, the damage was done and several HomePod mini devices went into a bricked state.
However, do keep in mind you can restore and revive your ‘bricked’ HomePod mini using the Apple Configurator app on the Mac. You can download it from the Mac App Store, it’s absolutely free, set it up, connect your HomePod mini to your Mac and simply restore the firmware.
Though a lot of people don’t know this, but Apple Configurator is an extremely handy app. You can revive pretty much anything using it. Whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Mac, just let the software do its magic.
When it comes to the bigger HomePod, you can’t restore it yourself since you can’t connect it to your Mac using a USB-C cable. This is the biggest advantage of having a HomePod mini as it has a USB-C connector on one end of the cable.
I’m sure Apple is working in the background to fix this issue and will most likely re-issue the update for everyone to test out. But, I will say this, things aren’t looking good for Apple at this point. One botched software update is already one too many, but two?
