Apple is working on the arrival of Siri AI for the HomePod and HomePod mini. References to ‘Linwood’, the underlying system behind Siri AI, have been discovered in HomePod Software 27.2, along with new status lights in white, blue and orange, colors that match the new Siri AI appearance on other Apple devices.
This indicates that Apple also wants to bring the smart Siri experience to the HomePod. At the same time, it seems unlikely that this feature will be available everywhere right away, as the code and previous Apple patterns suggest that Siri AI on HomePod only works when paired with a compatible iPhone.
Discoveries in the code of HomePod Software 27
The clues to the arrival of the updated voice assistant for HomePod were discovered by developer and code researcher pdfu. In the code of HomePod Software 27 he found ‘Linwood’, the internal brand name and the system behind Siri AI.
Additionally, the software update includes hints at a new visual display and accompanying sound effects. The well-known status lights on top of the HomePod get a new color combination with an emphasis on white, blue and orange; exactly the color palette that Apple uses for Siri AI on other devices.
New hardware required
Although HomePod Software 27 is already available, Siri AI is not yet active on the current generation of HomePod and HomePod mini. This means that the feature will most likely be reserved for future, unannounced HomePod models.
Rumors point to an updated HomePod mini with a more powerful processor (such as an S9, S10 or S11 chip), N1 chip for WiFi 7, Thread and Bluetooth 6, better sound quality, an improved Ultra Wideband chip and new color options.
Why the position is not coming to the EU (for the time being).
The required chip in the new HomePod mini is probably not powerful enough to run the complete Apple Intelligence model locally on the speaker itself. Instead, the system works similar to the latest Apple Watch models: the HomePod processes the request partly via a paired iPhone that supports Siri AI.
As the rollout of Siri AI and associated Apple Intelligence features on iPhone within the European Union is delayed due to stricter regulations (such as the Digital Markets Act), there is a domino effect. Without a suitable, supported iPhone in the EU that can handle the tasks for Siri AI, the connection with the HomePod will unfortunately not work in our region either.
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