Apple Store: Boxes with a blackout period until October 8th have arrived
Sealed boxes in Apple Stores may not be opened until October 8th – a hint at how Apple is handling the new...
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HomePod
HomePod is Apple's smart speaker line and has been available since February 2018 – today consisting of the larger HomePod and the more compact HomePod mini. Both models rely on computational audio with room sensing, Spatial Audio for Apple Music, seamless stereo pairing between two HomePods, AirPlay 2 for multi-room playback, and deep integration with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV and CarPlay. Within the smart home, HomePod acts as a hub for Apple Home, controls HomeKit and Matter devices over Thread, takes over calls and music via Handoff from iPhone, and responds to Siri – complemented by features like Intercom, voice-based personalization, sound and alarm detection, and automatic music handoff when arriving home.
Through apfelpatient.de, you'll find under this tag the ongoing coverage of the HomePod family: reviews and hands-on reports on every generation, tips and tricks for setup, stereo pairing, AirPlay and smart home integration, background on every software update, new audio and Siri features, comparisons with Sonos, Amazon Echo and Google Nest, and all rumors and reports about upcoming HomePod models and new classes of smart speakers.
Anyone wanting to find the right HomePod for their home, expand their smart home setup or understand Apple's audio and smart home strategy is right in the middle of the action here.
Apple event on October 13: What speaks in favor of a keynote
Will Apple unveil the HomePad, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K in a keynote on October 13th? What did previous October launches reveal about...?.
Apple HomePad, HomePod mini, Apple TV 4K: Launch on October 13th
Apple is expected to unveil the HomePad, HomePod mini, and Apple TV 4K on October 13th. Design, features, and what's available in this country...
HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K: Apple code reveals the devices
HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K (4th generation): Apple's code reveals five colors, the familiar design, and what...
HomePod: Siri AI is already included in the current software
HomePod software version 27 already includes the system behind Siri AI, along with the new light ring. The assistant is active on current models...
tvOS 27.2 Beta 2: Apple TV 4K plays content via four HomePods
In tvOS 27.2 Beta 2, the Apple TV 4K can connect four HomePods to a surround sound system for the first time. However, audio is only available at the front and rear...
Apple in October: These products are still pending
Following the keynote in September: Which Apple products are expected in October and how reliable the information is in each case.
audioOS 27: Code shows HomePod surround sound with four devices
The code for audioOS 27 contains a surround sound system consisting of four HomePods – including a speaker that is not yet available in the product range...
AppleCare One in Germany: What's really covered
AppleCare One costs €20.99 per month. This article explains which devices are covered, the additional cost of each repair, and the plan's limitations.
HomePod 3 & HomePod mini 2: All the rumors at a glance
HomePod mini 2 is coming this fall, the HomePod 3 remains without a release date: Rumors about the chip, design, Siri AI in the...