HomePod Firmware Operates like iOS, Incompatible with 3rd-party Apps

Eminent Mac Developer Steve Troughton-Smith has been tinkering around with HomePod firmware. He has got his hands on some interesting details and posted it on Twitter for everyone.

HomePod operates just like iOS

According to Steve, HomePod firmware goes by the name “AudioAccessory1.1” and runs exactly like iOS. It’s just a simplistic version of the iOS mobile operating system.

Here’s what the developer tweeted.

Users can control it from a shell application called “Soundboard”. A “full iOS stack” means it runs all shell apps that iOS runs.

What I can’t figure out is why they are using “Air” prefix everywhere.

LED Matrix with controls

During the demonstration of the HomePod at WWDC 2017, plus and minus symbols were clearly visible on the top. Users can change music, volume, and access Siri with these controls.

homepod

According to Troughton-Smith, it is an LED matrix that could bring more controls in the future.

No Support for 3rd-party applications 

As of now, the firmware doesn’t have support for 3rd-party applications or extensions. As you know, Apple has a penchant for security and isn’t too fond of apps from other companies and developers.

However, this also doesn’t mean HomePod will not support such apps in the future.

Apple can introduce support for these apps any time it wants. They just need to release a software update that “unlocks” it.

apple homepod

According to me, this is unlikely as it might open the door for hackers and jailbreak developers.

HomePod will hit the stores sometime in December 2017 in the United States. You can find all technical and hardware details about Apple’s smart speaker here.

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