The HomePod operating system has changed

As is often the case when an update is sent to an Apple device, it is dissected by media who know how to read the code. This time it's again9to5Mac,definitely very prolific in this area, who has just discovered an intriguing new feature on the brand's connected speakers.

Indeed, while until now the program which allowed the speaker to function correctly was a modified version of iOS, which equips all iPhones and certain iPads, now the device is based on a variation of…tvOS, its counterpart previously dedicated to Apple TV boxes.

Why this new OS?

Although Apple did not officially mention this change when announcing improvements to its operating systems,available at this address, several reasons could explain this choice, again according to the American newspaper:

• both the Apple TV and HomePod are permanently plugged in anddo not work on battery, the patches dedicated to the autonomy of iOS are therefore useless for the independent voice assistant as for TVs,
• these two products have the same function, to serve as a multimedia center forconnected home(they are also permanently synchronized with home Wi-Fi and HomeKit)
• and finally iOS 14,probably planned for WWDC, may no longer be compatible with the chipA8HomePods when it is released

Note also that these changes should not directly affect users: you will not see a difference on a daily basis. Finally,9to5Macwould have indeed discovered two HomePod references in its code, which confirmsthe latest rumors about a “Mini” version.