Apple Withdraws HomePod Beta Update 18.1 After Report Of Device Damage

Apple is recalling the latest beta test version of HomePod Software 18.1 (photo: x @gucxfygcr)

JAKARTA - Apple recalled the latest beta-test version of HomePod Software 18.1 after reports emerged from users stating that their HomePod device was damaged or "bricking" after installation. Just hours after its release, the update was removed as this issue was first reported by users on the Apple Insider forum.

A user with the name Jeromec reports that his two mini HomePods are not working after trying to install the 18.1 beta 5. According to his report, the HomePod device showed the white light, then red, before it turned off completely. The homePod was not even recognized by Mac via USB.

Luckily, the user managed to recover the device using an Apple Configurator, returning the two mini HomePods to version 18.0. However, this problem has caused many users to be vigilant, especially as devices that have been "bricked" are difficult to recover.

This update recall comes just a week after Apple withdrew the iPadOS 18 update for some iPad models, particularly those using the M4 processor, which was also reported to have suffered similar damage.

Apple has yet to provide an official statement regarding this issue, either for HomePod or iPad, and there is no information on when the revised update will be released. It's also unclear whether this issue only affects the homePod mini or also has an impact on the larger version of HomePod.