Last month, Apple released the HomePod Software 13.4 update and although it has no new features for users, this update represents a major change with how Apple manages the HomePod ecosystem.
The same, only different
The first thing you need to know is that watchOS, tvOS, and the HomePod Software are basically iOS at their core, so all these operating systems share the same base. What sets them apart are changes Apple makes to adapt each system according to the device it’s intended for, with different interface, settings, and APIs for each one.
But unlike all other versions of the HomePod Software, 13.4 is derived from tvOS, and no longer the original iOS that iPhone and iPad runs. As we said, this doesn’t affect how you use your HomePod since they all run with the same base system, but it makes us think about what Apple is working on for the future of HomePod.
So what’s different?
First of all, it’s worth noting that iOS is designed to work on devices that rely on an internal battery, which means that the way iOS manages power consumption is different from how tvOS does it. Apple TV is always plugged in, and so is the HomePod.
They don’t need as many enhancements to reduce power consumption as the iPhone and iPad, so sharing tvOS code with the HomePod Software should probably save Apple some extra work on that aspect.
Both Apple TV and HomePod also operate as a home hub for HomeKit, since they’re devices that are always connected at home. That may be another reason why Apple has decided to share the code of these two systems.
But there’s also another crucial factor, and that’s the compatibility of current devices with future versions of operating systems. iOS 14 is likely to drop support for devices with the A8 chip (basically the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4), and the first and only generation of the HomePod runs with an A8 chip.
While the fourth generation Apple TV (the HD-only model) also runs with the A8 chip, it will probably not be discontinued this year. If Apple wants to keep the HomePod updated for a longer time, it makes sense that the HomePod Software should be based on the next version of tvOS instead of iOS 14 due to the A8 chip support.
New hardware ahead
Sure, these changes are quite intriguing, but why would Apple bother changing all that right now? The answer might be in the launch of new products, as Bloomberg reported today that Apple is working on a “HomePod mini”.
What do you expect for the next generation of Apple’s product line-up? Let us know in the comments section below.
