With the launch of the Apple HomePod just a few weeks away, it’s time to revisit what we know about how to install and set up Apple’s new smart speaker.
Setup The Apple Homepod
Back in August of 2017, iHelp BR discovered some key details about how the installation and setup process would go for the Apple HomePod. While these setup details are subject to change and it’s been several months since this leak was originally stumbled upon, it’s likely that the process to install and setup the Apple HomePod will be pretty similar.
From the information iHelp BR discovered, it appears as if upon initially powering on the device, users will be prompted to pair the device with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. There will likely be integration with Mac and Apple TV as well, but it appears as if the initial pairing may be limited to mobile devices – at least according to the information that came to light back in late August. This is interesting information to keep in mind when considering whether or not to purchase the Apple HomePod, as the information suggests that at least the initial setup will be limited to those with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
The process overall looks very similar to that of the AirPods pairing process, for those who are familiar with that setup. Translating the process from one of their most successful peripherals over to the Apple HomePod would be a way to keep the experience across their ecosystem consistent, which has historically been a priority for the company.
iHelp BR also mentions that while some HomePod settings can be changed via iOS devices, the majority of the setup process and settings adjustment afterwards comes through voice activation via Siri. This makes sense for a smart speaker, but with programs like the Alexa app for Amazon’s Echo and Echo Dot, it will be an interesting choice if the Apple HomePod is truly to ship without an external way to control many of the features. Voice activation is also not always realistic, so many may miss the modicum of control that a physical application offers.
Setup Requirements
The UI for setting up the Apple HomePod seems to draw from many different products, with other screens appearing in the same style as the initial setup of the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Internal code suggests that at some point the setup wizard will spell out a code from the HomePod, which will have to be entered into the iOS device in order to complete pairing. You also may need the last four digits of the device’s serial number, in order to address security concerns.
Other requirements for Apple HomePod installation and setup discovered by iHelp BR include an Apple ID with two factor authentication enabled, as well as an iOS device connected to a password protected WPA/WPA2 WiFi network.
While the Apple HomePod is set to roll out only to the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia with its initial launch, there is evidence that the Siri functionality with the Apple HomePod already supports all of the languages that Siri on iOS devices is capable of communicating with.
