Apple forced to take HomePod 18.1 Beta 2 offline after multiple bricking reports, second similar incident after M4 iPad Pro models

HomePod software version 18.1 beta 2 was available for developers to test on Monday, but Apple was forced to pull the update when it received reports that it was causing bricking issues for a number of users. This is the second time in quick succession that the company has had to pull a software update due to bricking. The first incident came when there were reports that M4 iPad Pro models were experiencing similar issues due to the public release of iPadOS 18.

This behavior was first noticed by MacRumors after some forum members complained that the issue occurred after attempting to install HomePod software 18.1 Beta 5. One person with the username “Jeromec” reported that both of his HomePod mini units were unresponsive, forcing him to reset both smart speakers.

“As the title says.

2 bricked HomePod Minis after attempting to install HomePod software 18.1 Beta 5.

After my HomePod minis were unresponsive for about an hour, I tried resetting them.

On the HomePod itself, the top light changes from white to red… and then disappears.

Restoring with my MacBook Pro M1 Pro with Sequoia 15.0 is also no fun: When connected, the HomePod mini does not even appear in the list of USB devices in the System Info app.

I previously removed both HomePod minis from my Apple account.”

Another member of the MacRumors forum, “KoToNaS,” said that three of his four HomePod models froze after installing software version 18.1 Beta 5 and rebooting had no effect. The only possible remedy at this point is to initiate a full restore, which is possible using Apple Configurator. Apple has not yet commented on why this problem occurred, but it certainly doesn't paint a positive picture for a trillion-dollar company, especially when it's the second time in a row that reports of blocking have forced the Cupertino company to pull a software update. Hopefully, the company has a solution in the next few days.