Bassgate: Did software update sap HomePod audio?

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Don't take a chance on a bricked HomePod.
HomePod isn't as bass-heavy as it once was.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s software update released yesterday for the new HomePod may have altered the sound quality on its smart speaker.

Many angry HomePod owners that installed the update yesterday have taken to Twitter and Reddit claiming Apple’s fine-tuning of the speaker with the update has totally ruined how some songs sound.

Most HomePod owners that have posted on the subject remarked bass levels have dropped considerably. To some owners ears, this is a welcome change. Other listeners are demanding Apple bring more bass back.

Bass-Gate

“Can definitely hear a dramatic reduction in bass,” said one Reddit user. “Tried playing ‘Big Shot’ from the Black Panther soundtrack. That shit used to bang. Now it doesn’t.”

Other HomePod owners haven’t noticed any difference in the speaker’s EQ performance since the update. We’ve reached out to Apple for comment on whether the company changed the sound settings on HomePod but have not received a response.

https://twitter.com/boldblue737/status/979735923188432898

Apple doesn’t give HomePod users the ability to set their own EQ preferences. Instead, the HomePod using algorithms to adjust the EQ settings to the room it is in. Adding the ability to override the HomePod’s EQ settings with your own could fix this issue for most disgruntled HomePod users.

If you own a HomePod and don’t want it to automatically update software, you can toggle it off by going to the Home app, scroll to Speakers, select Software Update and then turn the switch to off.

Have you noticed a difference in audio quality on your HomePod since the update? Let us know in the comments below.

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