Select Language:
If you’re using iOS 26.0 on your iPhone 17 in the UK and have recently tried to enable Apple Intelligence, you might find that your HomePods stop responding to your voice commands. Here’s a simple solution to fix this issue:
Many users have found that switching the Siri language from English (United Kingdom) to English (United States) helps get Apple Intelligence working correctly. However, a side effect is that your HomePod stops recognizing your voice when Siri is set to US English.
To solve this, try the following steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Siri & Search.”
3. Select “Language.”
4. Switch your language from English (United Kingdom) to English (United States).
5. Confirm your choice and wait for the settings to update.
Once you’ve done this, check if your HomePods respond to voice commands again. If they don’t, consider switching the Siri language back to English (United Kingdom). Sometimes, toggling the language settings in this way can fix voice recognition issues across your devices.
This method is a quick workaround that allows you to enjoy Apple Intelligence without losing responsiveness from your HomePods. Keep in mind that software updates may sometimes cause these kinds of issues, and Apple might release a fix in future updates. Until then, this simple language switch could be your best bet.