Earlier today, Apple officially released the newest versions of iOS and macOS, and now iTunes is getting a slight bump in software version number, too.
Today, Apple released iTunes 12.7.3, which, primarily, brings with it support for Apple’s first smart speaker, the HomePod. In addition to built-in support, there is a new AirPlay menu that is on offer from iTunes, which should make it easier to choose the HomePod as the source of your audio streaming. Using iTunes to control your music as it plays through the HomePod (if you don’t feel like using touch controls on the smart speaker itself) should be easier, too.
Of course, you’ll need an Apple Music subscription to really enjoy streaming music from the smart speaker, as it doesn’t support third-party options like Pandora or Spotify.
Here is the changelog, per Apple:
“iTunes is now designed to work with HomePod. Use the improved AirPlay menu to easily choose HomePod can control what plays next with your Apple Music subscription. To learn more about HomePod, visit https://www.apple.com/homepod.”
For folks who want to download and install the newest version of iTunes, you can do so by opening up the Mac App Store, navigating to the Updates tab, and clicking the appropriate “Update” option.
And in case you missed it, the HomePod will officially go up for pre-order on Friday, January 26. The smart speaker will then go up for sale on Friday, February 9. When it does arrive it will cost $349, which, surprisingly, means it won’t be the most expensive smart speaker option out there.
Source: iPhonehacks