Apple's HomePod: The Neglected Smart Speaker

2024-12-11

Apple’s 2024 has been a year of significant AI advancements, with the company heavily investing in its Apple Intelligence framework. From the iPhone 16 to the Vision Pro, AI has been the driving force behind many of Apple’s new products and software updates. However, amidst this AI-fueled frenzy, one product seems to have been completely overlooked: the HomePod.

A Year of Neglect

While Apple is gearing up to release major software updates for its iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other devices, the HomePod is surprisingly absent from the list of products receiving significant upgrades. The upcoming HomePod 18 software update appears to be a minor bug-fix release, offering no new features or enhancements.

This year,

The Missing AI Upgrade

One of the most significant AI advancements this year is the new and improved Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence. This new Siri is smarter, more capable, and more contextually aware. However, despite being the primary interface for the HomePod, the new Siri will not be coming to the device.

This means that the HomePod, a device heavily reliant on Siri, will be left behind in the AI revolution. While other Apple devices will benefit from the new AI capabilities, the HomePod will continue to rely on the older, less capable version of Siri.

What Undercode Says:

Apple’s decision to neglect the HomePod in 2024 is perplexing, especially considering the company’s heavy focus on AI. The HomePod, as a smart speaker, could greatly benefit from AI integration, such as improved voice recognition, more intelligent responses, and enhanced home automation capabilities.

However, by not incorporating the new Siri into the HomePod, Apple is missing a significant opportunity to elevate the device’s capabilities and user experience. This decision raises questions about the future of the HomePod and whether Apple is truly committed to the product.

It’s possible that Apple may have plans to release a new HomePod model in the future that incorporates the new Siri and other advanced AI features. However, for now, the current HomePod models seem to be relegated to the sidelines of Apple’s AI-powered future.