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The new release of iOS 14.6 has been reportedly causing issues to the Homepod users. After being discontinued for several months, the owners of the full-seized homePods have now faced the unpleasant situation with their devices bricking and dysfunctioning.

However, the problem has not affected the mini-HomePods, and no complaints have been received from the mini-HomePod users yet.

Below are the main problems that users have come across and discussed in forums like Reddit after starting to use the devices with the iOS update.

• Sudden dysfunctioning
• When plugged in doesn’t power up
• No response to touch
• Not connecting to a stereo pair or Apple TV
• Unresponsiveness with constant flashing volume buttons
• Overheating

Apple’s Solution

It is not clear to which extent the problem has occurred, and the company has not made any official statement yet on the issue or a solution.

However, Apple has released the third beta version of Homepod software 15 as a part of the AppleSeed program. Subsequently, users running the Homepod software 15-beta have noticed the device getting overheated for no particular reason. Also, this update is available through the AppleSeed program, where only exclusive users are invited.

A senior Apple technician has advised on the Reddit platform to avoid downloading Apple’s recent software updates for the time being, which is not the solution for everyone or those who are already left with a dysfunctioning HomePod.

Warranty Issues

Most of the users who have faced the issues are owners of Homepod devices that have already completed the warranty period. A user with 19 HomePods had seven of them suddenly turn into paperweights. He has further claimed that all of them are out of warranty, and he won’t purchase new ones assuming they will break sooner or later.

One HomePod owner has walked into an Apple retail store with the bricked device for a replacement and has been asked to get it repaired at about 20Euros less than the retail price whereas another has been asked to pay $270 to get a new replacement. The support seems to be ludicrous when the reason for the bricking is the software update from Apple. However, those with active Applecare can replace the product outright.

Apple has yet to acknowledge the issue and come up with a solution that can end the persisting problems faced by the HomePod users. If your HomePod is working fine at the moment, it is best suggested to avoid the software updates until the company comes up with a reliable solution.

With the aim of delivering “equal benefits” to “everyone,” Apple has announced software dedicated to people with disabilities. The cause has been initiated with Apple’s belief that “Accessibility is a human right.” The company’s history in delivering customizable features for all users is another reason for this next-generation technology solution.

The software features robust designs, including sign language interpreters, and the company has announced the updates will take over all of Apple’s operating system later this year. The expected added features include;

• Assistive touch for apple watch
• Third-party-eye-tracking software
• VoiceOver screen reader with on-device intelligence
• Bi-directional hearing aid called Made for iPhone (MFi)

Assistive Touch – For Apple Watch Users

This is the latest feature for the apple watch to support users with limited mobility. The revolutionary Assistive Touch allows individuals with upper body limb differences without needing to touch the controls. With the use of built-in motion sensors, the watch can detect differences in muscle movement and tendon activity.

Gyroscope, accelerometer, optical heart rate sensor, on-device machine learning are used in developing this latest feature while enabling the users to navigate through hand gestures such as pinch or clench. It further helps Apple users with mobility difficulties to access and use the features easily. These include incoming call answering, motion pointer control, accessing notification and control centre, etc.

Eye-Tracking Support For iPad

This feature allows users to control the iPad using their eyes. The iPad’s OS will support third-party eye-tracking devices, and later a compatible MFi will be used. The device can track them and control the pointer according to where the person is looking on the screen. Following the person’s gaze, actions will be followed by the device accordingly.

New VoiceOver features

New features have been introduced to the VoiceOver, a leading screen reader for low vision and blind communities. The recent updates allow users to explore in detail. This includes the people, table data, text, and other objects with images. Navigation is accessible in a table like a receipt which contains rows and columns with headers. It further helps in relieving memories in detail and add own image descriptions with personalization.

Bi-Directional Hearing Aids

These bi-directional hearing aids consist of microphones that enable people with hearing difficulties to have hands-free conversations. Later this year, it is expected to have these next-generation MFi models. For headphone accommodations, Apple is also bringing up audiogram charts that can give a hearing test result. The results from these tests can be imported as a paper or PDF and can be used to customize the audio setting accordingly. These further enable it to adjust frequencies and amplify sounds to match with the user’s hearing capacity.

Background Sound Solutions

To support neurodiversity, Apple is introducing new background sounds for its users. This helps to minimize the distraction and discomfort from everyday sounds and stay calm and relaxed. From bright or dark noise to natural music such as rain, ocean, the sounds are available and can be mixed into other audio systems.

Future Trends And Features

Given below are a few additional features that Apple is expecting to have at the end of 2021.

• Sound Actions for switch control
• Customized options for display and text size settings
• New Memoji customization

Furthermore, Apple has developed the following collection for differently-abled people to get the most from their Apple devices.

Apple Fitness+ – From the “time to walk” caption, apple has transferred to the “time to walk or push” title for wheelchair workouts. It also includes a trainer who demonstrates modifications for each activity, making it a reality for every user level.

Accessibility Gallery Shortcuts – A useful Siri shortcut to support daily routines and track of daily medication. It helps users to discover the in-built features and resources and personalize them accordingly.

Today At Apple – Virtual sessions in ASL and BSL to teach the fundamentals of apple devices for disabled people.

App Store Stories  –  Read stories about a blind TikTok influencer, Lucy Edwards, where she discusses her favourite apps.

Apple TV app  –  The feature consists of a celebration representing authentic disability onscreen and behind the camera.

Apple Books – Reading recommendations from Judith Herumann, an author and disability rights activist.

Apple Maps –  New guides to help users to connect with businesses and organizations that embrace, prioritize, and value deaf community and sign languages.

Introducing the Macintosh in 1984 and revolutionizing personal technology, Apple strives to lead the world in innovation and provide a seamless experience to its users.