HomePod Update: Intercom & New Features - Apple

Individuals who own Apple HomePod devices can now utilize the recently unveiled “Intercom” functionality to transmit messages among their HomePod smart speakers, beginning today. This capability is delivered through a software update and introduces this, along with several other enhancements, to Apple’s smart speaker lineup, including those presented at Apple’s event last week where the company introduced the $99 HomePod mini.

Among these updates, Intercom stands out as the most significant, enabling the HomePod to align with competing smart speakers, such as those from Amazon and Google, which have provided comparable broadcast messaging systems for some time.

However, Apple’s Intercom extends beyond simply broadcasting a voice message – such as “dinner is served!” or “it’s time to leave!” – across the family’s HomePod speakers. It is also designed to function throughout Apple’s broader device ecosystem, with compatibility for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and even AirPods and CarPlay.

This broader compatibility could provide a competitive edge for HomePod, especially considering that Amazon – currently the leader in the U.S. market with its budget-friendly Echo devices – no longer maintains its own smartphone division.

Nevertheless, Apple clarifies that the expanded device support for Intercom is not being implemented immediately. Instead, it will be introduced through subsequent software updates later in the year.

To activate Intercom, HomePod users with multiple devices can use voice commands such as:

“Hey Siri, Intercom, Has anyone seen my glasses?”

“Hey Siri, tell everyone, Dinner is ready.”

“Hey Siri, Intercom to the kitchen, Has the game started?”

Users can respond with a command like “Hey Siri, reply, Yes.”

Alongside the new Intercom support, the software update also incorporates enhanced integration with Apple Maps and iPhone, the ability to initiate and halt timers and alarms from any HomePod, the option to continue listening to a podcast with multiple user support, and additional improvements.

This improved integration allows HomePod owners to now request information from Siri regarding traffic conditions, as well as details about local restaurants and businesses. A Siri suggestion will then automatically appear in Maps on your iPhone, making the route readily available when you enter your vehicle.

HomePod users can also now instruct Siri to perform web searches, with the results then being sent to the iPhone.

Two further features are scheduled to become available later this year, including the ability to connect one or more HomePods to Apple TV 4K for stereo, 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, and Dolby Atmos for movies, television, games, and more.

The other forthcoming feature, known as Personal Update, will soon allow you to ask Siri “what’s my update” or “play my update,” to receive a comprehensive overview of essential information to begin your day, including news, weather, calendar appointments, and any outstanding reminders.