Siri AI: HomePod 2 support rumored
Apple’s older devices could also get access to its new AI system through an update. At least, there are clues pointing that way.
Apple HomePod 2: On the market since 2023.
(Image: Apple)
Apple’s HomePod speakers are getting access to the new AI system Siri AI for the first time. Apple has officially announced the feature for the brand-new HomePod mini 2, which goes on sale Oct. 30. Apple says it will bring the improved voice assistant to the devices in a software update, but hasn’t announced a date yet. Now, clues suggest Siri AI is also coming to older HomePod models — at least one of them.
A telltale alt tag in the Apple Online Store
The first-generation HomePod mini from 2020, with its S5 chip, probably isn’t powerful enough, but the HomePod 2 could get the feature. The device is equipped with an S7 chip and launched in February 2023. As code leak expert @pdfu discovered, an alt tag for a HomePod 2 in the Apple Online Store mentions a “multicolored Siri AI glow” in an image of the HomePod 2. The effect is also visible in the image. Apple either made a mistake, or the company is planning a software update to bring Siri AI to the HomePod 2 as well.
Technically, this wouldn’t be a problem. Observers suspect that only a few Siri AI tasks actually happen “on device” on the speakers. Instead, the request is processed on a paired iPhone or iPad that must support Apple Intelligence. Apple takes a similar approach with older Apple TV 4K models (as well as the new version unveiled this week): Each requires a tablet or smartphone with Siri AI and the appropriate language setting. Apple could presumably also give the 2020 HomePod mini access, but apparently won’t for marketing reasons: the company wants to sell the HomePod mini 2, which can, for the first time, also be used as the main speaker for a Mac.
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HomePod 3 reportedly in the works
A possible third-generation HomePod — another large smart speaker — is reportedly in development at Apple, but won’t arrive before next year.
Like the HomePod mini 2, it will probably have an S10 chip. However, that isn’t the fastest chip in the lineup — that would be the new S11 in the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. For EU residents, Siri AI remains a nonstarter. It’s currently unclear when Apple will bring the voice assistant here.
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