April 14, 2020

HomePod: This is why smart speakers can now run on tvOS

Operating system changes

April 14, 2020, 10:58 am Reading time: Two minutes

So far, HomePod uses the same software as the iPhone: iOS. With the release of the last update, it has now changed. In the future, smart speakers will rely on tvOS (Apple TV's operating system). We explained why this makes sense.

Apple's HomePod now uses tvOS. (Source: Netzwelt)

In early 2018, Apple launched its first smart speaker, HomePod. The mobile operating system iOS works in the speaker-just like it does on the iPhone. However, Apple recently changed its strategy with the recently released iOS 13.4 update. As reported by English website 9to5Mac, smart speakers can now run with Apple TV's operating system tvOS.

tvOS and watchOS are the core of iOS, but they provide different interfaces, functions and settings. In this way, Apple can adapt each device to its own needs. Initially changing HomePod's operating system will not change the way it works, and smart speakers work the same as before.

Why change it?

There are many reasons why HomePod can now be used with tvOS, but Apple has not officially confirmed these reasons. Initially, iOS was designed to run on devices with integrated batteries. The system is also responsible for the entire energy management. This is different from Apple TV because it is permanently connected to a power source such as HomePod.

In addition, both Apple TV and HomePod can be used as Homekit's smart home centers, because they are usually devices that stay at home all the time. Therefore, it is logical that both devices now use the same software. According to 9to5Mac, iOS device compatibility is more decisive for this change.

The upcoming iOS 14 version will no longer be suitable for devices with an A8 chipset, such as iPad Air 2 or iPad mini 4. HomePod and 4K models of the previous generation of fourth-generation Apple TV have this chip.

If both devices are now running iOS, it will mean an update. However, since it is highly unlikely that Apple will retire its media player this year, the switch can choose to use tvOS to maintain these two devices separately from iOS. In addition, 9to5Mac found a reference to the new HomePod model in the iOS 13.4 program code. By converting to tvOS, Cupertino's manufacturers can distinguish their growing smart home products from other products and perform optimal maintenance.