Apple is widely expected to launch a new version of its HomePod smart speaker to enable it to unleash Siri AI in the smart speaker setting.
And, as if the constant speculation and application of common sense wasn’t enough to convince you it’s on the way, a new leak seems to confirm Siri AI’s presence on a future HomePod mini model.
The code enthusiast ‘pdfu’ found evidence of Siri AI‘s presence within Apple’s software and managed to use it to recreate the Siri AI animation on a HomePod model. Posting on X, pdfu said the integration may require new hardware, but the underlying ‘Linwood’ system is ready and waiting for implementation. You can see the new look and the accompanying sound effects recreated in the embedded tweets below.
He wrote (via MacRumors): “Get ready for Siri AI on HomePod. audioOS 27 includes Linwood, the system behind Siri AI, plus a new look and sound for Siri on HomePod. May require new hardware.”
Replying to a user asking the videos were a concept, ‘pdfu’ wrote: “Definitely not a concept. This was a days-long project to recreate the HomePod’s LED array and its layered dome. The real audioOS status light code drives every LED. Many more steps in-between to create realistic voice levels for the listening mode, etc.”
Whether existing HomePod models will get access to Siri AI is certainly up for debate. It is likely Siri AI will require more processing power if it is to run natively on the device. It’s possible a companion iPhone could be leveraged too.
Since a new HomePod was not announced at the September 9 iPhone 18 and iPhone Duo event, it is thought Apple may host an October event to reveal an election of new smart home products. The new HomePod mini is expected to be accompanied by an Apple TV 4K and a ‘HomePad’ smart display, both of which could offer Siri AI.
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