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HomePod Operating System Now Based on tvOS Instead of iOS Amid Rumors of Smaller HomePod

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Apple in March released new 13.4 software designed for the HomePod, alongside of the release of iOS 13.4 and tvOS 13.4. 9to5Mac recently looked at the HomePod code and says that Apple made a curious change with the new software -- the HomePod operating system is now based on tvOS instead of iOS.

HomePod-tvOS.jpg

watchOS, tvOS, and the software that run on the HomePod are all variants of iOS, but each one is differentiated by tweaks made for the device the software is intended to run on, featuring unique interfaces, APIs, and more.

Unlike prior versions of the HomePod software, which were based on the operating system found on the iPhone and iPad, the HomePod's software is now derived from tvOS. Because the operating systems are the same at the core, this hasn't resulted in any fundamental changes to the way that the HomePod works.

9to5Mac believes that shifting the HomePod software to a tvOS base has the potential to save Apple some work, as both the Apple TV and the HomePod are always-on devices that are plugged in to power and won't need the same optimizations as versions of iOS. Both devices also operate as a Home hub for HomeKit, which may also be a key reason why the two now share code.

It's also possible that iOS 14 will end support for devices with the A8 chip, such as the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4, and the HomePod is equipped with an A8 chip. Due to the possible end of support in iOS 14, swapping over to a tvOS base will allow Apple to keep pushing HomePod updates for the foreseeable future.

Rumors have suggested that Apple is developing a new smaller version of the HomePod that's more affordable, which is set to launch in 2020, and that's another possible reason for the code shift. 9to5Mac says that there are two new models of the HomePod referenced in iOS 13.4, though there is no additional information about them.

Just this morning, a Bloomberg report said that Apple is working on a new HomePod speaker that will be about half the size of the original, while maintaining the same design. Though it has faced delays, Apple is planning to launch the new HomePod in the second half of the year. It will feature a lower price the current HomePod, helping Apple compete with cheaper speaker options from companies like Amazon and Google.

On a separate but related note, 9to5Mac says that a "trusted source" has said that the next-generation Apple TV that's been rumored for months now could be equipped with the same A14 chip that Apple is planning to use in the iPhone 12, which suggests a fall launch for the device. Both a new Apple TV and an updated HomePod could perhaps see similar launch dates this September or October, but there's no concrete word on launch timing for either product.

Article Link: HomePod Operating System Now Based on tvOS Instead of iOS Amid Rumors of Smaller HomePod
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2020/04/13/homepod-tvos-operating-system/
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> Both devices [AppleTV, HomePod] also operate as a Home hub for HomeKit, which may also be a key reason why the two now share code.

Maybe, but the iPad also supports HomeKit so this wouldn't seem to be a reason for the move.

> It's also possible that iOS 14 will end support for devices with the A8 chip

This seems to me like the most likely reason for the move.
 
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MacRumors said:
It's also possible that iOS 14 will end support for devices with the A8 chip, such as the iPad Air 2 and the iPad mini 4, and the HomePod is equipped with an A8 chip. Due to the possible end of support in iOS 14, swapping over to a tvOS base will allow Apple to keep pushing HomePod updates for the foreseeable future.
Click to expand...
Never mind that the A8 chip was already losing support in the iPhone 6. It is stuck on iOS12. I think the other A8 devices can run iOS13.
 
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It would be interesting a new OS probably called homeOS which supports HomeKit. It will work on Apple TV, HomePod and other smart home devices such as refrigerators or ovens which will adapt the UI to the device. They are probably preparing that and it will be derived from tvOS
 
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I've always suspected that the HomePod would be the replacement for the AppleTV.

"AppleTV" as a name brand has moved to being software; the AppleTV app is just called "Apple TV" and Apple has moved to have it become ubiquitous on all platforms, on all TVs and TV boxes. There's currently a confusion when talking about "Apple TV" because it could both mean the app or the box. I believe that Apple is in the process of cleaning that up.

This is why I feel that the Apple TV (the box) will be phased out. In its place, you'll have HomePods as the centre of the home, not just for audio but for your TV and in your interaction with your entire home through Siri and HomeKit.

Apple has been working with TV manufactures to build AirPlay 2 into all TVs. This will play a central role in Apple's TV strategy going forward. Rather than an Apple TV box, you'll either simply AirPlay content from the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your TV directly, you'll use the Apple TV app built into every TV going froward or for the true Apple living room experience, you'll have a HomePod that will run tvOS and will AirPlay the video (both UI and content) to your TV.

The two missing components: first a remote for HomePod and second, an AirPlay Stick to enable AirPlay on all TVs that don't yet have it. This AirPlay stick would replace the tvOS Home screen with the Apple TV app home screen, which Apple has been moving to anyway.

Apps on tvOS has turned out to be a failed experiment. Most of the successful apps on Apple TV are simply content apps, that would better function as an Apple TV channel, rather than a self contained app with its own user interface. I think Apple will push towards that but first they'll have to win over Netflix and Disney both of which have wanted their own self contained apps.

I believe we'll see a big shift in the way that Apple deals with TV. First, they launched the content platform and now I think we'll see them move around the pieces in hardware, in which the new HomePod will play a central role.
 
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I am thinking iOS 14 will drop support for A8 this year. Say goodbye to the iPad Air 2 and mini 4.
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I wish they would release an Apple TV/HomePod hybrid with tiers for a HomePod soundbar with wireless rear speakers and tvOS built in. I would buy this in a second.

Or, if they simply allowed pairing of the cheaper HomePods to be rear speakers (~$150), that could be instant surround sound, which would be awesome.

Please Apple, make it happen! Give us cinephiles that want surround sound an all-in-one solution too! My wallet is ready!
 
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Just +1'ing the theory that a new Apple TV+HomePod integration makes total sense. Really, I'm surprised the 1st one didn't go this route. There's just so much overlap, it seems silly to need two separate devices.

The new cheaper (audio-only) HomePod could possible even retain the HomePod name, and then the bigger unit with TV built in might be "HomePod Pro" or "Theater" or something more premium sounding. ...And then maybe even optionally add some of the cheaper ones to create a whole surround sound system?
 
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The big news here (if true) is that Apple is putting the A14 in a new AppleTV. Why would it need such power if they weren't positioning it as a legit gaming console? Maybe not as powerful as the upcoming PS5 and Xbox but it would definitely be cool if it had tighter integration with new HomePods, or existing ones for hat matter.
 
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ipedro said:
I've always suspected that the HomePod would be the replacement for the AppleTV.

"AppleTV" as a name brand has moved to being software; the AppleTV app is just called "Apple TV" and Apple has moved to have it become ubiquitous on all platforms, on all TVs and TV boxes. There's currently a confusion when talking about "Apple TV" because it could both mean the app or the box. I believe that Apple is in the process of cleaning that up.

This is why I feel that the Apple TV (the box) will be phased out. In its place, you'll have HomePods as the centre of the home, not just for audio but for your TV and in your interaction with your entire home through Siri and HomeKit.

Apple has been working with TV manufactures to build AirPlay 2 into all TVs. This will play a central role in Apple's TV strategy going forward. Rather than an Apple TV box, you'll either simply AirPlay content from the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your TV directly, you'll use the Apple TV app built into every TV going froward or for the true Apple living room experience, you'll have a HomePod that will run tvOS and will AirPlay the video (both UI and content) to your TV.

The two missing components: first a remote for HomePod and second, an AirPlay Stick to enable AirPlay on all TVs that don't yet have it. This AirPlay stick would replace the tvOS Home screen with the Apple TV app home screen, which Apple has been moving to anyway.

Apps on tvOS has turned out to be a failed experiment. Most of the successful apps on Apple TV are simply content apps, that would better function as an Apple TV channel, rather than a self contained app with its own user interface. I think Apple will push towards that but first they'll have to win over Netflix and Disney both of which have wanted their own self contained apps.

I believe we'll see a big shift in the way that Apple deals with TV. First, they launched the content platform and now I think we'll see them move around the pieces in hardware, in which the new HomePod will play a central role.
Click to expand...

This guy gets it.
 
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ipedro said:
I've always suspected that the HomePod would be the replacement for the AppleTV.

"AppleTV" as a name brand has moved to being software; the AppleTV app is just called "Apple TV" and Apple has moved to have it become ubiquitous on all platforms, on all TVs and TV boxes. There's currently a confusion when talking about "Apple TV" because it could both mean the app or the box. I believe that Apple is in the process of cleaning that up.

This is why I feel that the Apple TV (the box) will be phased out. In its place, you'll have HomePods as the centre of the home, not just for audio but for your TV and in your interaction with your entire home through Siri and HomeKit.

Apple has been working with TV manufactures to build AirPlay 2 into all TVs. This will play a central role in Apple's TV strategy going forward. Rather than an Apple TV box, you'll either simply AirPlay content from the Apple TV app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your TV directly, you'll use the Apple TV app built into every TV going froward or for the true Apple living room experience, you'll have a HomePod that will run tvOS and will AirPlay the video (both UI and content) to your TV.

The two missing components: first a remote for HomePod and second, an AirPlay Stick to enable AirPlay on all TVs that don't yet have it. This AirPlay stick would replace the tvOS Home screen with the Apple TV app home screen, which Apple has been moving to anyway.

Apps on tvOS has turned out to be a failed experiment. Most of the successful apps on Apple TV are simply content apps, that would better function as an Apple TV channel, rather than a self contained app with its own user interface. I think Apple will push towards that but first they'll have to win over Netflix and Disney both of which have wanted their own self contained apps.

I believe we'll see a big shift in the way that Apple deals with TV. First, they launched the content platform and now I think we'll see them move around the pieces in hardware, in which the new HomePod will play a central role.
Click to expand...

This is spot on. The AppleTV as a media box is obviously on its way out. Maybe not in the next couple years, but I could see in 2-4 years. When TVs already come with all the streaming apps installed on them - there is no point in buying a box. The only reason I still use the AppleTV boxes is because I had them before I had the TVs that have all the streaming apps.
 
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I don’t follow this logic. I have an AppleTV equipped tv (LG C9 OLED). I only use the Appletv box for all my media needs. It’s standardised interface, well supported, has apps for third party content, photos, music, and is fast.

I’m not the only one using the box as their only access to media.

AppleTV box is here to stay.
 
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AppleTV is here to stay, just maybe not as we know it.

  • A cheap-ish video-only unit. Currently called "AppleTV." Positioned more as an entry-level device.
  • A cheap-ish audio-only unit. In the "HomePod" lineup. Will be able to wirelessly pair as a complementary device to Apple TV or the full size HomePod variant.
  • A full-featured audio AND video unit. Will either leverage the HomePod naming convention, or even kick off its own offshoot branding (videoPod? theaterPod? tvPod? HomePod Pro?). Connects to the TV for full support of all room listening, watching, gaming, and home control functionality. Expansion of natural voice controls for both audio and video browsing. Added ability to pair with HomePod mini units for surround sound, etc.
 
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