Apple is now bringing its upgraded Siri AI mechanism, internally called “Linwood,” to the HomePod line with the latest audioOS 27 update. This includes fresh lighting enhancements that mirror Siri AI’s signature color scheme—white, blue, and orange—indicating the visual shift Apple is making toward its more capable voice assistant technology. However, current-generation HomePods don’t yet seem to activate Siri AI, suggesting that only new or unreleased hardware may fully support the capabilities.
Earlier this week, code signals surfaced that audioOS 27 embeds the Siri AI engine within HomePod’s underpinnings. Yet despite the software being available, the feature is switched off on existing devices, raising expectations that a hardware refresh may be necessary for deployment.
Potential HomePod Hardware Refreshes
The HomePod mini is rumored to see its next iteration powered by a faster chip—either Apple’s S9 or S11 processor. Other possible upgrades include the addition of Apple’s N1 networking chip, better Ultra-Wideband (UWB) capabilities, and new color options. A full-size HomePod update is also in development, though its release timeline remains uncertain.
Alongside HomePods, Apple is preparing other devices to support Siri AI and Apple Intelligence. An upcoming Apple TV 4K model is scheduled to include a chip capable of running Siri AI features. A separate project—an entirely new home hub with integrated Siri AI—also seems to be in the works. These launches could begin as soon as October, potentially aligning with broader updates across smart home hardware.
Siri AI Access Structure & Prerequisites
For devices like the Apple Watch (Series 9 and above), Siri AI features already require a tied iPhone with Apple Intelligence enabled. The new HomePod mini models are expected to follow this same workflow: some AI functionality on-device, supplemented by connected iPhone intelligence where required.
Unlike the mini, the full-size HomePod’s redesign is not landing imminently, but it is in development. What Apple is aiming for with its smart speaker lineup aligns with its larger AI strategy: distributing capable assistants beyond phones while balancing on-device and cloud-based workloads for smart home usage.
What this means going forward: Siri AI on HomePod could redefine how accurately and swiftly HomePods respond to voice commands, especially compared to current Siri. The hardware updates—new processors, better wireless networking, and UWB—imply improved responsiveness, smarter ambient awareness, and tighter integration across devices. If you’re eyeing a HomePod purchase, waiting for the next generation may pay off if you want the full Siri AI and Apple Intelligence experience.
