You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

HomePod mini compatibility with macOS Catalina

I didn’t find straight forward answer but will macOS Catalina will have ever native support for all HomePod mini features like HomeKit support and system speakers pairing? I know speakers pairing works in Apple Music but not with other system audio.

MacBook Pro, OS X 10.11

Posted on Jan 6, 2023 9:42 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 6, 2023 12:51 PM

HomePod mini works for AirPlay as it always has done, but given the cutoff at iOS16.2 macOS 13.1 for new features (see Upgrade to the new Home architecture - Apple Support) and the fact that nothing has really changed in terms of the split between Apple Music and the native macOS sound control in Catalina I think it is a safe bet to assume that it isn't going to be revisited. You can of course hope for better options for speaker pairing, but the Home app is definitely broken if you upgrade to the new architecture, in Catalina*, Big Sur, Monterey*, and iOS 15* downwards.


tt2


* personally tested.

6 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 6, 2023 12:51 PM in response to Mbasis

HomePod mini works for AirPlay as it always has done, but given the cutoff at iOS16.2 macOS 13.1 for new features (see Upgrade to the new Home architecture - Apple Support) and the fact that nothing has really changed in terms of the split between Apple Music and the native macOS sound control in Catalina I think it is a safe bet to assume that it isn't going to be revisited. You can of course hope for better options for speaker pairing, but the Home app is definitely broken if you upgrade to the new architecture, in Catalina*, Big Sur, Monterey*, and iOS 15* downwards.


tt2


* personally tested.

Jan 6, 2023 1:19 PM in response to turingtest2

OK so did HomeKit really work normally before that new architecture update on Catalina? I am new to Catalina now and updated my HomePod mini and all iOSs to 16.2 before and couldn't compare.

In that Apple doc you have posted it is just mentioned how to update to the Home new architecture and it is possible with the newest macOS but there is no mentioned what are the minimum requirements for using that updated architecture

Jan 6, 2023 1:59 PM in response to Mbasis

Yes, I used to be able to use the Home app on my late 2012 Mac mini that runs Catalina, and an iPhone 6s running iOS 15.whatever was last. Both now show how my home used to look before some recent additions using the new system, and show the home as unreachable. In Monterey there is actually a splash screen suggesting that I upgrade rather than the broken experience elsewhere. See https://www.macrumors.com/2022/12/21/apple-pulls-new-home-architecture/ for some confirmation on requirements. Apple often aren't terribly explicit with those details.


tt2

HomePod mini compatibility with macOS Catalina

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.