Apple launches invite-only HomePod software beta program
Apple has launched an exclusive invite-only HomePod software beta program, with chosen users given the opportunity to trial a pre-release version of software likely including support for third-party music services on HomePod for the first time.
According to MacRumors, Apple is emailing members of its AppleSeed program to join the exclusive beta, saying that as a participant, “you’ll get to test-drive pre-release software and provide your feedback,” although the invite doesn’t specifically mention what HomePod features testers will be trialing.
The invites follow after Apple quietly confirmed it was adding third-party music service support to HomePod, allowing users who subscribe to services such as Spotify and Pandora to set them as their default music player.
Apple launched its mainstream developer beta program for iOS 14, iPadOS 14, watchOS 7, tvOS 14 and macOS 11 Big Sur earlier today, with an official public beta set to launch next month on July 14th.