HomePod and HomePod mini - Details on the temperature and humidity measurement

Apple released the last week 2nd generation HomePod presented. This can be purchased from February 3, 2023. Although it has the same exterior design as the 2018 model, there is new technology inside, from the SoC to the speakers to the sensors. The new sensors include B. those that detect temperature and humidity. This is not only practical for simply displaying these values ​​in the Home app, but also for coupling with other accessories in the smart home (thermostats, air conditioning systems, ventilation, etc.). The current home pod mini also has these sensors - they can be activated via update.

Thermometer and hygrometer in HomePod (2023) and HomePod mini (2020)

"The new integrated temperature and humidity sensor enables the measurement of the indoor environment so that users can set up automations, for example to close the blinds or automatically turn on the fan once a certain temperature is reached in a room“, It says in the press release, which launched the HomePod 2. 

It was already established in 2020 that in addition to the new, large HomePod, the mini version from 2021 also had the necessary sensors installed (we reported here). For a long time, however, there was no system update that would have activated the sensors and integrated them into HomeKit. But it has been available for a few days.

HomePod Software 16.3 enables the temperature and humidity sensor

The HomePod Software 16.3 update has been out since Tuesday. So if you already have a HomePod mini, you can equip it with the new software and then access the temperature and humidity measurement data via paired Apple devices – such as the iPhone. You will find your HomePod mini in the Home app on the iPhone, iPad or Mac and in its settings the item “Software update”.

There are also new Siri functions and improved music tuning, which should offer an even more immersive audio experience. But the audio has also been improved for pure voice output, so that in addition to music, e.g. B. audio books and podcasts should sound better. Of course, the biggest change in terms of device functionality is the activation of the temperature and humidity sensors in the HomePod mini.

How exactly does the HomePod (mini) measure the indoor climate values?

To answer this question, it is worth taking a look at the presentation page of the new HomePod 2. As part of the product comparison of the mini and current standard version of the HomePod, there is not only the official reference to the sensors in the HomePod mini. There are also a few interesting footnotes that limit the technical possibilities of the smart speakers a bit. Regarding the accuracy of the temperature and humidity measurement, it says something like this: 

"Temperature and humidity detection is optimized for private indoor environments when the ambient temperature is between 15°C and 30°C and the relative humidity is between 30% and 70%. Accuracy may decrease in some situations when audio is played at high volume for long periods of time. HomePod takes some time after starting to calibrate the sensors before showing results."

Will you use the new HomePod or the HomePod mini in your smart home to monitor the indoor climate? Feel free to leave a comment on the topic!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.