Will the Full-Sized HomePod Get Siri AI? Apple's Website Offers a Clue

Apple unveiled the HomePod mini 2 on Tuesday, positioning it as the first HomePod model to support the newly branded Siri AI, but the rollout is tied to a software update rather than an immediate out‑of‑the‑box experience. The update will require a companion iPhone or iPad that already runs Apple Intelligence, meaning the speaker will act as a peripheral for context‑aware queries rather than a standalone AI hub. Meanwhile, the full‑size HomePod’s product page now includes hidden alt‑text describing a “multi‑colored Siri AI glow on top,” a detail that could be a simple copy‑editing slip, yet it aligns with Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman’s earlier claim that Apple intends to add Siri AI to the larger speaker “eventually.” The ambiguity leaves investors and developers guessing whether Apple will push a software‑only upgrade to the existing hardware or reserve the feature for a future hardware refresh.

This development arrives against a backdrop of intense competition in the smart‑speaker arena. Amazon’s Echo devices have long offered generative AI assistants, and Google’s Nest speakers now run Gemini‑powered features. Apple’s delayed entry—exacerbated by a $250 million class‑action settlement over the postponed Siri AI launch—means the company is under pressure to demonstrate parity. The settlement, which compensates eligible iPhone owners with roughly $25 each, underscores regulatory and consumer scrutiny of Apple’s AI timeline. Moreover, recent leaks showing iOS 27’s “Model Delegation” framework allow third‑party models like Claude or ChatGPT to plug into Siri suggest Apple is building a more open AI stack, potentially accelerating the HomePod’s capabilities once the software arrives.

Looking ahead, the key variables are the timing and scope of the full‑size HomePod’s AI enablement. If Apple delivers a software patch that fully activates Siri AI on existing hardware, it could revive sales of a product that has lagged behind competitors. Conversely, a hardware‑only approach would likely necessitate a new HomePod generation, stretching the product cycle and risking further consumer disappointment. Watch for an official Apple Intelligence update, any revised HomePod specifications, and how Apple positions the AI feature in its broader ecosystem of iOS 27, macOS Golden Gate, and third‑party model integration.