HomePod Software 26 to Support OG HomePod

Utsanjan Maity
June 07, 2025
Good News for Original HomePod Owners: Software Update 26 is Coming!

Good News for Original HomePod Owners: HomePod Software 26 is Coming!

Exciting news for owners of the original HomePod! A reliable source on X (formerly Twitter) has revealed that Apple's upcoming HomePod Software 26 update will support the very first generation of the HomePod, alongside all subsequent models. This is fantastic news, considering the original HomePod was released eight years ago. It shows Apple's commitment to supporting its older devices and providing continued value to loyal customers.

Original HomePod on a Console

What to Expect from HomePod Software 26?

While the specifics of the new features in HomePod Software 26 are still under wraps, anticipation is high. Many are hoping for significant improvements to the Siri voice assistant experience, including potentially faster response times, enhanced natural language processing, and a more intuitive user interface. We can also speculate on potential performance boosts and bug fixes, leading to a smoother and more reliable overall HomePod experience. Only time will tell what exciting additions Apple has in store for us.

Why the "26" Designation?

Instead of incrementing the software version number sequentially (like HomePod Software 19, for example), Apple has opted for "HomePod Software 26." This numbering system aligns with the company's broader software update strategy for the year, reflecting the September 2025 to September 2026 release cycle. All major software updates released during this period will likely carry the "26" designation, ensuring a consistent and easily understandable system across all Apple products. It makes sense to keep the HomePod software naming consistent with the broader approach.

The Future of the HomePod Family: A Smart Home Hub on the Horizon?

Rumors have persisted for some time about Apple developing a dedicated smart home hub. This much-anticipated device is expected to significantly enhance the functionality of Apple's HomeKit ecosystem. The release of this smart home hub is anticipated within the next year, expanding the HomePod family and potentially introducing new capabilities and integrations.

There is growing optimism that Apple might offer a sneak peek of this highly anticipated device during this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Recent trademark filings related to "homeOS" further fuel speculation, suggesting an operating system specifically designed to power this new smart home hub. These filings certainly hint at significant development progress, leading to increased confidence among enthusiasts that a reveal is imminent.

Don't Miss WWDC 2025!

Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote presentation will commence on Monday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time. This highly anticipated event will be livestreamed on Apple's website, YouTube, and the Apple TV app. For those unable to watch the keynote live, MacRumors will provide comprehensive live blog coverage of all the announcements. You can also follow the live tweeting on the MacRumorsLive account on X for real-time updates and insights.

Stay Informed and Connected: Resources and Further Discussion

For more in-depth information on the HomePod and related products, we encourage you to explore the following resources:

This article, "HomePod Software 26 to Support OG HomePod" originally appeared on MacRumors.com.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on this exciting news in our forums: Discuss this article

We are excited about the future of the HomePod and the wider Apple smart home ecosystem. Stay tuned to MacRumors for further updates and in-depth analysis as more information becomes available. The HomePod Software 26 update promises to enhance the user experience, and the possibility of a new smart home hub represents a significant step forward in Apple's home automation strategy. The future of the HomePod looks bright indeed!



from MacRumors
-via DynaSage