Despite a snub at WWDC, it has long been expected that Apple will implement Apple Intelligence features in the HomePod and Apple TV. The beta of tvOS 27 suggests the addition is coming soon.
Apple did update tvOS at WWDC 2026, but chiefly to give it a reworked Podcasts app and AI-generated subtitles. Neither Apple TV nor HomePods got their time in the keynote spotlight, but that doesn't mean they won't shortly see significant updates.
Apple TV and HomePod were left out of the WWDC keynote because more time was given to Siri AI. Now, though, it appears that Siri AI may be coming to both of them.
It isn't certain any such features will be added, but code seen in the first developer beta of tvOS 27 reportedly includes various Apple Intelligence frameworks. Since the HomePod and HomePod mini also run a version of tvOS, the implication is that Apple Intelligence could be coming to both of them.
Perhaps most tellingly, code to do with the first time a user sets up a HomePod refers to Siri AI. There are no further details and reportedly no clues to how Siri AI might be used, but the code is there in tvOS for Apple TV and HomePods.
There is the possibility that Apple Intelligence will only come to one device or the other. Then there is also the argument that tvOS and the iPhone OS have always overlapped.
If Apple Intelligence does come to the HomePod or Apple TV, it would require new versions of that hardware. However, backing up this idea, tvOS 27 also has references to new hardware.
Specifically, the code refers to the N1 chip, which is Apple's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi processor. That does not exist in any of the currently shipping Apple TV or HomePod models.
The code may also be a clue that the rumored Apple Home Hub is nearly ready to launch
The presence of such code is at least a very strong indication that the features are coming, and that they are at a testing stage. But that doesn't mean they will necessarily ship in the next versions of HomePods or Apple TV, and separately Apple plans to release new such hardware through into 2028.
One of those releases is expected to be the long-rumored Apple Home Hub. That has repeatedly been reported to be ready to ship, and just waiting on Apple to release the updated Siri AI.
These code fragments were first seen by Macworld.
