HomePod#Operating system

The HomePod has a rounded, cylindrical shape, and has a small touchscreen on its top. It has seven tweeters in its base and a four-inch woofer (Apple does not specify Hz frequency range) towards the top, as well as six microphones used for voice control and acoustic optimization. The system-on-a-chip is the Apple A8, which Apple previously included in the Apple TV HD, iPod touch (6th generation), iPad mini 4 and iPhone 6/6 Plus.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/12/17003296/homepod-repair-ifixit-teardown|title=This iFixit teardown shows the HomePod is built like a tank|work=The Verge|access-date=February 14, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212212259/https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/12/17003296/homepod-repair-ifixit-teardown|archive-date=February 12, 2018}}; {{Cite web |last=Ong |first=Thuy |date=July 31, 2017 |title=HomePod firmware reveals more secrets of Apple's smart speaker |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/31/16067710/apple-leaked-homepod-firmware-os-third-party-apps |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904063324/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/31/16067710/apple-leaked-homepod-firmware-os-third-party-apps |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |access-date=September 3, 2017 |website=The Verge}}{{Cite magazine |title=HomePod Review: Only Apple Devotees Need Apply |url=https://www.wired.com/review/review-apple-homepod/ |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215083738/https://www.wired.com/review/review-apple-homepod/ |archive-date=February 15, 2018 |access-date=February 14, 2018 }}; {{Cite web |title=Apple Home Pod Review |url=https://www.wadav.com/tech/apple-home-pod-review |access-date=August 2, 2018 |website=www.wadav.com |language=en |archive-date=April 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421142401/https://www.wadav.com/tech/apple-home-pod-review |url-status=dead }}

Siri can be used to control the speaker and other HomeKit devices, and can be used to conduct text messaging and voice calls from an iPhone. The HomePod mainly supports Apple's own platforms and technologies, including Apple Music, iTunes Store purchases and Match, iTunes podcasts, Beats 1 radio, and AirPlay (with limited third-party support for internet radio services iHeartRadio, Radio.com, and TuneIn). A device running iOS 11 or later is required for initial setup. HomePod can serve as a sound bar within a home entertainment system when selected through an Apple TV. The HomePod does not officially support audio-in from Bluetooth sources.{{Cite news |title=Apple clarifies which audio sources are supported on HomePod speakers |language=en-us |work=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/02/apple-clarifies-which-audio-sources-are-supported-on-homepod-speakers/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180215023704/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/02/apple-clarifies-which-audio-sources-are-supported-on-homepod-speakers/ |archive-date=February 15, 2018}}

AirPlay 2 and multi-room, multi-speaker support were announced in February 2018, and released in September 2018 in iOS 12 along with additional features such as multiple named timers, Find my iPhone, Siri shortcuts, the ability to make, receive and screen phone calls directly on the HomePod, and the ability to search for songs using the lyrics. HomePod initially did not allow multiple users to use the device, but multiuser support was added with the release of iOS 13.2.{{Cite web |title=Set up voice recognition on HomePod mini or HomePod |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204753 |access-date=May 19, 2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103105057/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204753 |url-status=live }}

The 13.4 software update, released in March 2020, changed the OS from an iOS code base to a tvOS-based system.{{Cite web |last=Clover |first=Juli |date=April 13, 2020 |title=HomePod Operating System Now Based on tvOS Instead of iOS Amid Rumors of Smaller HomePod |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2020/04/13/homepod-tvos-operating-system/ |access-date=April 14, 2020 |website=MacRumors |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421123108/https://www.macrumors.com/2020/04/13/homepod-tvos-operating-system/ |url-status=live }}

Greenhouse gas emissions for production, expected use and recycling for the HomePod are estimated at 146 kg CO₂e.{{Cite journal |date=January 26, 2018 |title=HomePod Environmental Report |url=https://images.apple.com/environment/pdf/products/homepod/HomePod_PER_feb2018.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Apple and the Environment |publisher=Apple Inc. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216204441/https://images.apple.com/environment/pdf/products/homepod/HomePod_PER_feb2018.pdf |archive-date=February 16, 2018 |access-date=February 16, 2018}}

The HomePod received mixed reviews. The review from The Verge praised the HomePod's automatic acoustic calibration system, and felt that it sounded "noticeably richer and fuller" than competitors such as the Sonos One (described as sounding "a little empty") and Google Home Max (described as being a "bass-heavy mess"). The review from Ars Technica stated that the sound quality of the HomePod was "pretty good, rich and full for its size, better than the Sonos One but probably not $150 better, [and] a galaxy ahead of the Echo."

Its lack of support for third-party services and platforms was criticized, with Ars Technica arguing that it gave the device "intense inflexibility".{{Cite news |title=Apple's HomePod: Paying $350 for a speaker that says "no" this much is tough |language=en-us |work=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/02/review-apples-homepod-is-a-fun-apple-music-accessory-and-thats-it/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214174105/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/02/review-apples-homepod-is-a-fun-apple-music-accessory-and-thats-it/ |archive-date=February 14, 2018}} Siri on the HomePod was also criticized for its limited functionality in comparison to assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant; The Verge cited the inability to actually place phone calls from the speaker (they must be made on an iPhone and transferred to the HomePod), set multiple timers at once, or distinguish between multiple voices, and only supporting basic commands when using AirPlay, among other limitations. Multiple reminders can be used in lieu of multiple timers, albeit with less precision than a timer.{{Cite web |last=Dr. Drang |date=February 15, 2018 |title=Friendly reminders |url=http://leancrew.com/all-this/2018/02/friendly-reminders/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309142647/http://leancrew.com/all-this/2018/02/friendly-reminders/ |archive-date=March 9, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=And now it's all this |publisher=leancrew}}; {{cite web|url=http://leancrew.com/all-this/2018/02/timers-reminders-alarms-oh-my/|title=Timers, reminders, alarms – oh, my!|author=Dr. Drang|work=And now it's all this|publisher=leancrew|date=February 17, 2018|access-date=April 10, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226231612/http://leancrew.com/all-this/2018/02/timers-reminders-alarms-oh-my/|archive-date=February 26, 2018}}; {{Cite web |last=Gruber |first=John |author-link=John Gruber |date=February 26, 2018 |title=Timers, Reminders, and Alarms on Apple Devices |url=https://daringfireball.net/linked/2018/02/26/dr-drang-timers-reminders-alerts |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025945/https://daringfireball.net/linked/2018/02/26/dr-drang-timers-reminders-alerts |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=Daring Fireball}}; {{Cite web |last=Mark |first=Dave |date=February 28, 2018 |title=Timers, reminders, alarms—oh, my! |url=http://www.loopinsight.com/2018/02/28/timers-reminders-alarms-oh-my/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025942/http://www.loopinsight.com/2018/02/28/timers-reminders-alarms-oh-my/ |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=The Loop}}; {{Cite web |title=How to deal with Apple's inconsistent alerts system |url=https://lifehacker.com/how-to-deal-with-apple-s-inconsistent-alerts-system-1823355397 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025924/https://lifehacker.com/how-to-deal-with-apple-s-inconsistent-alerts-system-1823355397 |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |website=Lifehacker|date=February 27, 2018 }}; {{Cite web |last=Heer |first=Nick |title=Timers, Reminders, and Alarms – Pixel Envy |url=https://pxlnv.com/linklog/timers-reminders-alarms/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025931/https://pxlnv.com/linklog/timers-reminders-alarms/ |archive-date=April 11, 2018 |access-date=April 10, 2018 |website=pxlnv.com}} All these issues have been fixed in iOS 12, released on September 17, 2018.{{Cite web |last=Engst |first=Adam |date=September 24, 2018 |title=Apple Updates HomePod with iOS 12 for Phone Calls, Multiple Timers, and More |url=https://tidbits.com/2018/09/24/apple-updates-homepod-with-ios-12-for-phone-calls-multiple-timers-and-more/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190103210602/https://tidbits.com/2018/09/24/apple-updates-homepod-with-ios-12-for-phone-calls-multiple-timers-and-more/ |archive-date=January 3, 2019 |access-date=January 3, 2019}}

The Verge gave HomePod a 7.5 out of 10, writing that it "does more to make music sound better than any other speaker of this kind has ever done before", but that consumers should consider other options "unless you live entirely inside Apple's walled garden and prioritize sound quality over everything else."{{Cite news |title=Apple HomePod review: locked in |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/6/16976906/apple-homepod-review-smart-speaker |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213060549/https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/6/16976906/apple-homepod-review-smart-speaker |archive-date=February 13, 2018}} Wired shared similar criticisms over its lack of Siri functionality and support for third-party services, concluding that the HomePod would be of little interest to those who are not heavily invested in Apple's software and hardware ecosystem.

It was reported by some owners that the HomePod's silicone base stained oiled wooden surfaces with a white "ring" mark.{{Cite news |date=February 14, 2018 |title=Apple's HomePod speakers mark wood |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43064772 |url-status=live |access-date=February 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214224644/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-43064772 |archive-date=February 14, 2018}} Although Apple states that "it is not unusual for any speaker with a vibration-dampening silicone base to leave mild marks when placed on some wooden surfaces", and that the marks would eventually "improve" on its own, Stuart Miles (founder of the British technology blog Pocket-lint) reported that in his experience, the stain occurred after only about 20 minutes of use on a wooden surface, and that he had to sand and re-oil the surface to remove it.{{Cite web |title=Apple HomePod review: The smart sounding speaker that's just not smart enough - Pocket-lint |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/smart-home/reviews/apple/141256-apple-homepod-review |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322143444/https://www.pocket-lint.com/smart-home/reviews/apple/141256-apple-homepod-review |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |website=www.pocket-lint.com}} John Gruber criticized Apple for this abnormality, remarking that he had never seen an Apple product damage surfaces in such a manner before, and that it "seems like an issue that should have been caught during the period where HomePod was being widely tested at home by many Apple employees."{{Cite web |last=Gruber |first=John |author-link=John Gruber |date=February 14, 2018 |title=HomePod Can Damage Wood Furniture |url=https://daringfireball.net/linked/2018/02/14/homepod-wood-furniture-rings |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322082228/https://daringfireball.net/linked/2018/02/14/homepod-wood-furniture-rings |archive-date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=March 21, 2018 |website=Daring Fireball }} Apple issued a support document suggesting to concerned users that they place the HomePod on a different surface.{{Cite web |title=Cleaning and taking care of HomePod |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208435 |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Apple Support |date=July 16, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201061749/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208435 |url-status=live }}

To promote the HomePod, Apple released "Welcome Home", a four-minute film directed by Spike Jonze and starring FKA Twigs; commercial-length versions were also produced.{{Cite web |last=Nudd |first=Tim |date=March 5, 2018 |title=Spike Jonze and FKA twigs Made a Jaw-Dropping Short Film for Apple's HomePod |url=https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/spike-jonze-and-fka-twigs-made-a-jaw-dropping-short-film-for-apples-homepod/ |access-date=December 23, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223064520/https://www.adweek.com/brand-marketing/spike-jonze-and-fka-twigs-made-a-jaw-dropping-short-film-for-apples-homepod/ |url-status=live }}

Strategy Analytics estimated that around 600,000 HomePods were sold in the first quarter of 2018, making it the 4th-best-selling smart speaker brand after Amazon, Google and Alibaba, giving Apple a 6% market share in the industry.{{Cite news |title=Strategy Analytics: Amazon's Global Smart Speaker Share Falls Below 50% in Q1 2018 as Competition Heats Up |language=en |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180517006158/en/Strategy-Analytics-Amazon%27s-Global-Smart-Speaker-Share/ |access-date=May 18, 2018 |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519131000/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180517006158/en/Strategy-Analytics-Amazon%27s-Global-Smart-Speaker-Share/ |url-status=live }} The HomePod also had 6% market share in the United States according to a report from Consumer Intelligence Research Partners and sold an estimated 700,000 units worldwide in the second quarter of 2018.{{Cite news |title=Apple gains a foothold in the smart speaker market: A Foolish Take |language=en |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2018/08/18/apple-market-share-smart-speaker-google-amazon/37458353/ |access-date=August 18, 2018 |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818120712/https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2018/08/18/apple-market-share-smart-speaker-google-amazon/37458353/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |title=Strategy Analytics: Google Closes Gap on Amazon in Global Smart Speaker Market in Q2 2018 |language=en |url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180813005370/en/Strategy-Analytics-Google-Closes-Gap-Amazon-Global |access-date=August 21, 2018 |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215010928/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180813005370/en/Strategy-Analytics-Google-Closes-Gap-Amazon-Global |url-status=live }} Also in the second quarter of 2018, Strategy Analytics estimated that the HomePod outsold all smart speakers that cost more than $200, giving Apple a 70% market share in premium brand smart speakers.{{Cite news |date=September 19, 2018 |title=HomePod misses top 5 smart speaker list, but grabs impressive 70% of $200+ market |language=en-US |work=9to5Mac |url=https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/19/homepod-takes-majority-of-premium-sales/ |access-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-date=October 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006000914/https://9to5mac.com/2018/09/19/homepod-takes-majority-of-premium-sales/ |url-status=live }} As of mid-2018, the HomePod had sold an estimated 3 million units.{{Cite news |title=HomePod Estimated to Have 3 Million Sales and 6% Market Share in United States |language=en |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/02/homepod-estimated-3-million-sales/ |access-date=October 5, 2018 |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408163749/https://www.macrumors.com/2018/08/02/homepod-estimated-3-million-sales/ |url-status=live }} Sales increased 45% in Q4 2018, with Apple selling 1.6 million units that quarter.{{Cite web |date=February 20, 2019 |title=HomePod Sales Grew 45 Percent Over Holiday Quarter, But Actually Lost Market Share |url=https://www.idropnews.com/news/homepod-sales-grew-45-percent-over-holiday-quarter-but-actually-lost-market-share/97172/ |access-date=April 30, 2019 |website=iDrop News |language=en-US |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430032323/https://www.idropnews.com/news/homepod-sales-grew-45-percent-over-holiday-quarter-but-actually-lost-market-share/97172/ |url-status=live }} In April 2019, Apple reduced the price to US$299; Gizmodo noted that permanent price cuts on current-generation Apple hardware are "beyond rare—they’re nearly unheard of."{{Cite web |last=Gartenberg |first=Chris |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Apple drops HomePod price down to $299 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/4/18295084/apple-homepod-price-cut-299-smart-speaker |access-date=April 4, 2019 |website=The Verge |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404140439/https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/4/18295084/apple-homepod-price-cut-299-smart-speaker |url-status=live }} In March 2021, the price was reduced to £279 in the UK.{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Where to get an Apple HomePod before it's gone |url=https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/where-to-get-an-apple-homepod-before-its-gone-4127665 |access-date=March 30, 2021 |website=Trusted Reviews |language=en |archive-date=March 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210315173214/https://www.trustedreviews.com/news/where-to-get-an-apple-homepod-before-its-gone-4127665 |url-status=live }} As of May 2021, Apple was still reportedly selling units manufactured for the HomePod's launch stock.{{Cite web |title=Apple Is Still Struggling to Unload Its Launch Day HomePods |url=https://gizmodo.com/apple-is-still-struggling-to-unload-its-launch-day-home-1846877912 |access-date=December 23, 2021 |website=Gizmodo |date=May 12, 2021 |language=en-us |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331120821/https://gizmodo.com/apple-is-still-struggling-to-unload-its-launch-day-home-1846877912 |url-status=live }}

On March 12, 2021, Apple discontinued the HomePod, but kept the HomePod Mini. In a statement, Apple said "HomePod Mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through AppleCare."{{Cite web |title=Apple discontinues original HomePod, will focus on mini |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/12/apple-discontinues-original-homepod-will-focus-on-mini |access-date=March 13, 2021 |website=TechCrunch |date=March 13, 2021 |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313022035/https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/12/apple-discontinues-original-homepod-will-focus-on-mini/ |url-status=live }} In July 2024, Apple classified the HomePod as "vintage," affecting its repair eligibility at Apple Stores and authorized service providers. Apple was criticized for violating its own policies for classifying products as vintage, which its website states were discontinued "more than 5 and less than 7 years ago"; at the time, the HomePod had been discontinued for three years and four months.{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Becky Scarrott last |date=2024-07-06 |title=If Apple's 2018 HomePod is 'vintage', I'm done – and we should all go back to wired hi-fi systems |url=https://www.techradar.com/audio/if-apples-2018-wireless-speaker-is-vintage-im-done-and-we-should-all-go-back-to-wired-hi-fi-systems |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}

On January 18, 2023, Apple announced the second-generation HomePod in a video announcement. It runs on an Apple S7 system-in-package, first used in the Apple Watch Series 7, and includes an Apple U1 chip for ultra-wideband support,{{Cite magazine |last=Stolyar |first=Brenda |title=Apple Tries Again With a Second-Gen $299 HomePod |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/story/apple-second-generation-homepod/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121132631/https://www.wired.com/story/apple-second-generation-homepod/ |url-status=live }} which is used for haptic and visual feedback when handing off music from an iPhone to a HomePod.{{Cite web |author1=Joe Wituschek |date=January 26, 2021 |title=The HomePod mini finally gets its ultra-wideband handoff feature |url=https://www.imore.com/homepod-mini-finally-gets-its-ultra-wideband-handoff-feature |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=iMore |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121144708/https://www.imore.com/homepod-mini-finally-gets-its-ultra-wideband-handoff-feature |url-status=live }} Compared to the first-generation model, it has two fewer tweeters and microphones, and only supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) while the original supported Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac).{{Cite web |title=Apple's full-size HomePod smart speaker returns with updated internals |url=https://www.techspot.com/news/97305-apple-full-size-homepod-smart-speaker-returns-updated.html |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=TechSpot |date=January 18, 2023 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118165843/https://www.techspot.com/news/97305-apple-full-size-homepod-smart-speaker-returns-updated.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Potuck |first=Michael |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Here's how HomePod 2 compares to the original and HomePod mini |url=https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/18/homepod-comparison-new-original-and-mini/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=9to5Mac |language=en-US |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120204040/https://9to5mac.com/2023/01/18/homepod-comparison-new-original-and-mini/ |url-status=live }} It also supports the Thread network protocol. An April 2023 software update added sound detection for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.{{Cite web |last=Tuohy |first=Jennifer Pattison |date=2023-04-20 |title=Turn on this new Apple's HomePod feature right now |url=https://www.theverge.com/23691037/apple-homepod-sound-recognition-smoke-alarm-how-to-set-up |access-date=2023-10-14 |website=The Verge |language=en}} Externally, the second-generation model is similar to the first but slightly shorter at 6.6 inches (168 mm), and lighter at 5.16 lb (2.3 kg), and has a larger recessed touch screen panel at the top of the unit with the volume adjustment buttons permanently etched in.{{Cite web |title=Everything That's Changed in the New 2023 HomePod |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/19/new-things-for-the-2023-homepod/ |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=MacRumors |date=January 19, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230121144702/https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/19/new-things-for-the-2023-homepod/ |url-status=live }} It can only create a stereo pair with another second-generation model.{{Cite web |title=New HomePod Can't Be Stereo Paired With First-Generation HomePod |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/18/new-homepod-cannot-stereo-old-homepod/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=MacRumors |date=January 18, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118153734/https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/18/new-homepod-cannot-stereo-old-homepod/ |url-status=live }}

According to YouTuber Marques Brownlee's testing, the second-generation HomePod can still leave white rings on wooden surfaces, though the issue is less pronounced than with the first-generation model.{{Cite web |last=Rossignol |first=Joe |date=January 31, 2023 |title=New HomePod Can Still Stain Some Wooden Surfaces |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/31/second-generation-homepod-white-rings/ |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=MacRumors |language=en |archive-date=February 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201061747/https://www.macrumors.com/2023/01/31/second-generation-homepod-white-rings/ |url-status=live }}

The HomePod runs HomePod Software, internally known as audioOS, a forked version of tvOS.{{Cite web |title=About Software Updates for HomePod |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208714 |access-date=2023-02-01 |website=Apple Support |language=en |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031043135/https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208714 |url-status=live }} It was launched alongside the release of the original HomePod, released on February 9, 2018. Though it was initially a fork of iOS,{{cite web |title=About Software Updates for HomePod |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208714 |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=Apple Support |language=en}} since version 13.4 in 2020, it has been a fork of tvOS.{{cite web |last1=Espósito |first1=Filipe |date=13 April 2020 |title=HomePod now runs on tvOS, here's what that could mean |url=https://9to5mac.com/2020/04/13/homepod-now-runs-on-tvos-heres-what-that-could-mean/ |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=9to5Mac}} Software updates are installed automatically over-the-air, but can also be installed manually through the Home app.{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Joseph |date=14 March 2022 |title=How to install software updates for your HomePod or HomePod mini |url=https://www.imore.com/how-install-software-updates-your-homepod |website=iMore |language=en}} audioOS's main user-facing features are AirPlay 2 and Siri.

In 2021, an Apple job listing referenced a non-existent "homeOS" operating system, echoing previous Bloomberg leaks about possible future Apple products for the living room that would merge the Apple TV and HomePod.{{Cite web |title=Apple Once Again Refers to Unreleased 'homeOS' in Job Listing [Removed] |url=https://www.macrumors.com/2021/11/03/apple-refers-to-homeos-job-listings/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=MacRumors |date=November 3, 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Axon |first=Samuel |date=2021-06-02 |title=Apple's "homeOS" slip fits with prior rumors about new smart home products |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/06/apple-job-listing-mentions-homeos-days-before-wwdc-keynote/ |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us}}{{Cite news |date=2023-01-18 |title=Apple to Expand Smart-Home Lineup, Taking On Amazon and Google |language=en |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-18/apple-to-expand-smart-home-lineup-taking-on-amazon-and-google |access-date=2023-01-23}}

{{HomePod technical specifications}}

• Apple speakers
• HomePod Mini
• List of UWB-enabled devices

{{reflist}}

• {{official website|https://www.apple.com/homepod/}}
• [https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2017/06/homepod-reinvents-music-in-the-home/ Apple press release]

{{Apple hardware}}

{{iOS}}

{{Apple hardware since 1998}}

{{Apple Inc.}}

{{Smart speaker}}

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Category:Products introduced in 2017

Category:Smart speakers

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