Alongside iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe 26, Apple today released HomePodOS 26 for HomePod and HomePod mini. The update may be lighter than others in this software cycle, but it adds a handful of meaningful improvements to Apple’s smart speakers.
The headline feature is support for crossfade in Apple Music. Songs now transition more smoothly by fading out the current track while the next one fades in, keeping the music going without silence between tracks. Crossfade has long been available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and its arrival on HomePod brings the experience in line across Apple devices.
AirPlay is also smarter in this release. You can now ask Siri on one HomePod to send audio to another speaker in your home. That makes it easier to move playback without reaching for your iPhone or opening the Home app, and ensures multi-room audio feels more seamless.
A long-requested Wi-Fi option is included, too. HomePod now lets you manually choose which network to connect to from within the Home app. Previously, the speaker was locked to whatever network your iPhone or iPad was on, but this update gives users direct control for the first time.
Apple notes that HomePodOS 26 also delivers bug fixes and stability improvements. The update installs automatically unless the feature is turned off, but HomePods can also be updated manually in the Home app on iPhone, iPad, or Mac by going to More > Home Settings > Software Update.
HomePodOS 26 is available today as a free update for HomePod and HomePod mini.
