Abstract:
After Apple recently released a series of new smart home products, the outside world began to pay attention to a question: whether the existing large-size HomePod can also get the new Siri AI function. The latest indications are that the answer may be yes.
On October 13, local time, Apple launched the HomeView smart display equipped with a 7-inch touch screen, a new generation of Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2 and Apple Home Collection smart home ecological products. These new devices all support Siri AI functions based on Apple Intelligence.
However, Apple did not mention at the press conference whether the second-generation large HomePod currently on sale will have the same capabilities. However, some users discovered on the social platform X that Apple’s official website has updated the second-generation HomePod product page, revealing some details worthy of attention.
According to information discovered by netizens, in the updated HomePod page, examples showing Siri functions have adopted Siri AI’s iconic gradient visual style. At the same time, the lighting effect on the top of the speaker has also been adjusted to be consistent with the style of the newly released HomePod mini 2. In addition, on the product comparison page of Apple’s online store, the alternative text (Alt Text) of the second-generation HomePod picture even directly reads “top with colorful Siri AI light effects.”
These changes quickly triggered speculation, with many analysts believing that Apple may be preparing for the large HomePod to support Siri AI. However, as of now, Apple has not officially announced relevant plans, so it cannot be ruled out that these page updates are just design errors or test content has been accidentally disclosed.
In fact, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman previously revealed that Apple will eventually update its large HomePod product line. But he didn't specify whether that meant existing devices gaining new features through software upgrades, or a new hardware product in the future.
Judging from Apple's recent strategy, it is not impossible to provide Siri AI support for existing devices. The newly released Apple TV 4K supports Siri AI, and Apple also confirmed that the second generation and later older Apple TV 4K will also receive this feature through updates. So it's not surprising that the large HomePod currently on sale gets a similar upgrade.
It is worth noting that even the just-released HomePod mini 2 will not enable Siri AI immediately when it is launched. Apple says this feature will be available in future software updates.
However, for European users, even if the large HomePod supports Siri AI in the future, it may not be available in the short term. Due to the ongoing dispute between Apple and European regulators, Siri AI has not yet been launched in the EU. This is one of the important reasons why Apple decided not to sell the new HomeView in the EU.
Mark Gurman previously predicted that in the best case scenario, Siri AI may enter the EU market about five months later than other regions. This situation is similar to the launch rhythm of Apple Intelligence in the European market last year.
Although there is no official confirmation yet, a series of detailed changes on Apple's official website have made the outside world full of expectations for the possibility of the large HomePod gaining Siri AI functionality. For users who are still using the second-generation HomePod, a future software update may bring a smarter voice interaction experience.
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