[Updated] Did Apple pull or delay the HomePod & tvOS 16.3 update?

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on January 24, 2023) follows:

Apple recently released the much-awaited iOS 16.3 update for compatible devices all around the world. Users have already started updating them and look forward to new features and improvements.

Generally, most iOS updates are accompanied by updates for other Apple devices like the Apple Watch, HomePod, and Apple TV. However, the rollout for the 16.3 update for HomePod and tvOS is reportedly having some issues.

HomePod 16.3 and tvOS 16.3 update pulled?

As users received the iOS 16.3 update, they anticipated the HomePod update to drop around the same time. The HomePod mini and iPhone/iPad need to be updated to 16.3 to activate HomeKit temperature and humidity sensors.

However, it appears that Apple has not yet released the 16.3 update for HomePod (or audioOS) devices. Some have taken to social media platforms to inquire about the status of its rollout.

I don’t see an update for HomePod to 16.3 on my iPhone (or Apple TV either): has there been a delay?
Source

I have not been able to update to latest iOS on Apple TV and HomePod, do we have any answers from apple?
Source

Reports (1,2,3) indicate that tvOS users are experiencing similar issues. Things only get more confusing from this point.

We have come across reports that suggest some users did receive (1,2) the HomePod and tvOS 16.3 update for a brief amount of time and were able to install it.

Some major publications like Mac Rumors also claimed that the tvOS 16.3 update was released for users all around the globe. But the post seems to have been pulled down as I write this.

There is a slight chance that Apple released the update for a short period, realized that it had some problems, and pulled it back. Some who received the update prompt also had trouble trying to download it.

It is worth noting that the tvOS 16.3 update rollout was reportedly shifted to January 25. Similarly, some believe that the HomePod could also receive the 16.3 update around the same time.

We’ll keep an eye on this matter and update this story to reflect noteworthy information.

12:21 pm (IST): Apple has now reportedly released HomePod and tvOS 16.3 updates for eligible devices.

Note: You can also check out our iOS 16 update and bugs and issues tracker.

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