Apple Updates Updates: A Fix for iPad mini and More New Languages for HomePod
22 JULY 2022 - We’re learning a bit more about this week’s software updates. Earlier this week, Apple revised its current software, shipping iOS/iPadOS/tvOS/HomePod software 15.6, macOS Monterey 12.5, and watchOS 8.7. These primarily consisted of bug hunts and security fixes, though there were a couple of new features. Now, MacRumors has news of one more fix and one more feature.
On the fix side, the site says iPadOS 15.6 fixes a charging issue with iPad mini running iPadOS 15.5. Earlier this month we heard word that the 15.5 update kind of hosed charging for some sixth-generation iPad mini units. Now, Apple’s release notes say the update “Fixes an issue where iPad mini (6th generation) may not detect a charger or other USB-C accessory.”
As for the new feature - it’s not so much new as expanded. A separate piece from MacRumors says two more languages about which we hadn’t heard have added Siri support in HomePod. Mid week we heard that HomePod software 15.6 had added “Siri voice recognition support in Mandarin Chinese (China mainland, Taiwan), Cantonese (China Mainland, Hong Kong), and Japanese (Japan).” Now, the MacRumors piece says support has shown up for Norwegian and Swedish as well.
As for why Apple didn’t mention the additions, it may have to do with HomePod not being available in Norway nor Sweden. With the new languages, MacRumors figures HomePod mini should go on sale in the countries in the next few months.
