Apple's latest HomePod Beta update is reportedly causing major hardware damage to a number of units. The update isn't available to all users, but those who have applied it appear to have encountered issues when trying to repair the damage they've deemed irreversible. The original HomePod was released about two years prior to the arrival of the newer mini counterpart, and seems to be the only one affected by the problem.
While it utilized a more dated Apple A8 processor, the original still runs on the same software as the HomePod mini. The latest official HomePod 14.6 update was introduced by Apple a couple of months ago and provides the smart speakers with some performance and stability improvements. However, a newer update, HomePod Software 15, was only recently made available to beta participants, and instead of offering new features it is causing problems for some.
Various affected users have taken to Reddit to warn others about the many dangers that come with updating the older HomePod model to the latest beta OS version. This includes issues ranging from the smart speaker becoming unresponsive and rapidly overheating, to its logic board getting fried or failing outright. According to Apple Insider, the terms of Apple's beta software program indicates the company is not liable for any damage that occurs due to a beta update. Adding to the problem, some users have reported that a hard-reset on their updated HomePod doesn't resolve the issue, while others point out that downgrading to a past version as a fix isn't possible either.
The issue is apparently exclusive to the original full-sized HomePod, so owners of the newer mini variant are safe from the dangerous beta update. Likewise, a typical HomePod setup won't allow even the older model to update to the troublesome HomePod Software 15 beta, so owners who don't bother with manually updating their smart speakers shouldn't be affected. Users often install beta updates to get a sneak peek at some of the new features that are planned for future updates, so those avoiding these early release updates should be fine.
Although only private beta participants have access to these experimental updates, some users are able to download and apply leaked versions through third-party sources. Of course, doing so comes with serious risks that can render devices unusable and they won't be covered by a warranty either. To make matters worse, Apple already discontinued the original HomePod, so owners who risk applying beta updates won't be able to get their devices repaired if they do get damaged in the process. For now, it is probably best to leave the updating of a HomePod to the device, as Apple's smart speakers are capably of automatically checking and applying them by default and when safe to do so.
Source: Reddit, Apple Insider
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