Surprise, your original HomePod isn’t obsolete yet

Macworld

In just a few days, Apple will unveil its slate of new software at WWDC, and when it gets to the HomePod section, owners of the original model will get a nice surprise: any new features Apple announces will be supported.

According to a private account on X spotted by MacRumors, Apple will support both HomePod models with HomePod Software 26. The original HomePod was announced at WWDC on June 5, 2017, but didn’t ship until the following February. However, that’s still eight full years of support.

While the original HomePod was discontinued in March 2021, it’s not all that different from the 2nd-gen model that arrived in January 2023. The design and sound are very similar despite the older model having two extra tweeters, and they have many of the same features. 

The main difference is the processor. The original model has an A8 from the iPhone 6, while the 2nd-gen model is powered by the S7 chip in the Apple Watch Series 7. Notably, Apple ended support for the iPhone 6 with iOS 12, which was released in 2018. However, HomePod software is much less processor-dependent than iOS.

There haven’t been any rumors about new HomePod features, but Apple is rumored to be working on a new HomePod with a display that acts as a smart home hub. Apple could also bring some Apple Intelligence features to the HomePod speaker when using an iPhone.

Apple will announce HomePod Software 26 at the WWDC keynote on Monday at 10 a.m. PT.