Full Breakdown
Siri AI Set to Arrive on Next-Generation HomePod Speakers
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development: Siri AI Integration in HomePod Software 27
The latest HomePod software release, identified as HomePod Software 27 (also called audioOS 27), contains the “Linwood” system that powers Apple’s newer Siri AI. The update also adds status lights in the white, blue and orange palette associated with Siri AI on other Apple devices. Although the software is publicly available, existing HomePod speakers do not yet exhibit Siri AI functionality, suggesting that the feature depends on hardware that is not present in current models.
Hardware Implications and Expected Chip Upgrades
Analyses of the code indicate that the forthcoming HomePod mini will likely require an S9 chip or newer, with some reports mentioning the S11 chip used in the Apple Watch Series 12 as a possible option. The upgrade may also incorporate Apple’s N1 networking chip and an updated Ultra-Wideband component. Apple’s larger-speaker HomePod mini currently runs an older processor, reinforcing the view that a newer chip is needed to handle the larger language-model workload of Siri AI.
Timeline and Launch Outlook
HomePod Software 27 is already released, but Apple has not announced a concrete launch date for the hardware that will support Siri AI. Industry observers expect the first Siri-AI-enabled HomePod models to appear as early as October, though the exact timing remains unconfirmed.
Official Position and Uncertainty
Apple has provided no public statement confirming which HomePod models will receive Siri AI, the required hardware specifications, or the geographic availability of the feature. The lack of Siri AI on current devices, despite the software update, is therefore reported as a speculation based on the code findings rather than an official Apple confirmation.
Impact on the Smart-Home Ecosystem
If the new hardware is introduced, Siri AI will bring a more capable language-model assistant to the HomePod line, potentially enabling richer on-device processing and faster interaction with a compatible iPhone running Apple Intelligence. The rollout aligns with Apple’s broader push to update Apple TV 4K hardware and develop a dedicated home hub, signaling a coordinated expansion of AI-driven smart-home functionality across the company’s ecosystem.