Today Apple has released 14.4 for HomePod and HomePod mini with the most notable features coming to the HomePod mini. The update adds support for more U1 Ultra Wideband features, such as haptic and audible effects when you bring the iPhone near to the HomePod mini, as well as audio suggestions.

U1 features are only on newer iPhone models, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro.

The update is out as of Monday and should automatically update on the HomePods, otherwise it can be updated via the Home app on iOS, iPadOS and macOS.

Release Notes

Software version 14.4 includes bug fixes and the following new features with an Ultra Wideband (U1) equipped iPhone.- Hand off music with visual, audible, and haptic effects from ‌iPhone‌ to ‌HomePod mini‌
– Get personalized listening suggestions on ‌iPhone‌ when it is next to ‌HomePod mini‌
– Media controls automatically appear without having to unlock ‌iPhone‌ when it is close to ‌HomePod mini‌