Apple might have unintentionally disclosed details about the upcoming features for Apple TV and HomePod.

      Shimul Sood / Digital Trends

      Apple's significant AI initiative has now included the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but a couple of noteworthy devices are absent from the discussion. The Apple TV and HomePod have mostly been on the sidelines, even though Siri plays a crucial role in how users interact with both devices. However, this situation might be changing.

      As the public release of iOS 27 approaches, the latest beta seems to hint that Apple is setting the stage to incorporate Apple Intelligence features into its living room devices. According to Apple Home Authority, the Home app now features a new section titled "Apple Intelligence Report" for Apple TV and HomePod devices running the beta software. While a menu hidden within a beta might not seem particularly thrilling, the fact that neither the Apple TV nor HomePod currently supports Apple Intelligence prompts intriguing questions about Apple's intentions for later this year.

      Siri may finally become more intelligent in your living room.

      The most likely scenario is an enhanced version of Siri. Apple has aimed for a more uniform Siri experience throughout its ecosystem, making the current state somewhat awkward. You could end up with a significantly smarter assistant on your iPhone, while the HomePod nearby provides a much more limited answer to the same query.

      Enhancing Siri's functionality on the HomePod and Apple TV would help bridge that gap. With a more capable HomePod, day-to-day voice commands could become more practical, especially when you don't have another Apple device at hand. Similarly, a more intelligent assistant on the Apple TV would be beneficial for searching for content, responding to inquiries, or navigating options without requiring precise phrasing for each request. However, there's a vital caveat: simply updating your iPhone to iOS 27 isn't sufficient to reveal the new Apple Intelligence Report. The connected Apple TV or HomePod must also be running the beta versions of tvOS 27 or HomePod 27. This suggests that it involves more than just a feature for the iPhone that coincidentally references other devices.

      New hardware may be the key element.

      A pressing question remains whether existing Apple TV and HomePod models will actually receive these AI functionalities. Apple Intelligence has specific hardware requirements across its product lineup, so it wouldn't be surprising if the company needed new chips in its home devices to support the latest AI features. Earlier leaks have hinted at refreshes for the Apple TV 4K and HomePod hardware, making the timing of this discovery particularly intriguing.

      Some current devices might still gain a portion of the new capabilities. The appearance of the menu doesn't clarify which models will be supported, and Apple hasn't officially confirmed Apple Intelligence support for either product yet. Fortunately, we might not have to wait long for clarifications. Apple is anticipated to host its next major event on September 9, where it could finally address the lack of news regarding the Apple TV and HomePod during earlier software announcements. If that occurs, your iPhone may not be the only Apple device receiving a significantly smarter Siri this fall; the small speaker in your room could finally join the AI revolution as well.

      Shimul Sood / Digital Trends

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