Apple’s HomePod speakers and Apple TV streaming players will soon be getting a nifty new trick: the ability to allow friends, family, or anyone else to take turns controlling music playback.
The functionality will arrive courtesy of SharePlay, the two-and-a-half-year-old Apple feature that lets you share your currently playing media.
SharePlay debuted back in October 2021 on FaceTime, allowing users to share video and music playback during FaceTime calls. Last fall, SharePlay came to Apple’s CarPlay platform, perfect for letting pals in your CarPlay-equipped vehicle take charge of what’s playing over the car speakers on Apple Music.
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Now comes word that SharePlay’s music control feature will soon land on the HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV via a software update.
MacRumors spotted SharePlay music control for the HomePod and Apple TV in iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4. Apple has since confirmed that iOS 17.4 (which also includes extensive App Store changes as mandated by the EU) will arrive this month, and it’s reasonable to assume that Apple will release the tvOS 17.4 update at the same time.
SharePlay on the HomePod will work in a similar fashion to how the feature works on CarPlay. You’ll just fire up the Apple Music app on your Apple device, ensure the app is controlling playback on your HomePod, and then tap the SharePlay icon near the bottom of the screen.
Once you’ve tapped the SharePlay button, a QR code will appear on your screen. Allow a friend to scan the code, and they’ll be able to control the music playback on your HomePod, complete with the ability to add new tracks.
MacRumors notes that besides letting a nearby person scan the QR code, you can also take a screenshot of the code and send it to whomever you wish, meaning even a far-flung friend could control your HomePod.
Meanwhile, SharePlay music control on Apple TV will work by scanning a QR code displayed on your TV screen.
Of course, you’ll be allowed to approve or deny any SharePlay music control requests on your HomePod or Apple TV, meaning users won’t be able to hijack your device just because they have the SharePlay QR code.
Your friends and family won’t need Apple Music subscriptions to control music playback on your HomePod or Apple TV via SharePlay; that said, you’ll need to be an Apple Music subscriber to initiate SharePlay music control sessions.
Author: Ben Patterson, Senior Writer
Ben has been writing about technology and consumer electronics for more than 20 years. A PCWorld contributor since 2014, Ben joined TechHive in 2019, where he covers smart speakers, soundbars, and other smart and home-theater devices. You can follow Ben on Twitter.