In March of this year, Apple released a new 13.4 software designed for HomePod, and also pushed iOS 13.4 and tvOS 13.4. 9to5Mac inspected t...
In March of this year, Apple released a new 13.4 software designed for HomePod, and also pushed iOS 13.4 and tvOS 13.4. 9to5Mac inspected the code related to the HomePod system and confirmed that the HomePod operating system is now developed based on tvOS instead of iOS.
The watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod software are all clones of iOS, but each is differentiated by hardware configuration and has a specific interface and API.
The previous version of HomePod software was developed based on the operating systems used on iPhone and iPad, but now HomePod software is developed based on tvOS. Since the core of the operating system is the same, this has not caused a fundamental change in the way HomePod works.
Transitioning HomePod software from iOS to tvOS will save some development work, as Apple TV and HomePod are devices that are being plugged in and do not need to be optimized to conserve power like iOS. These two devices may also act as HomeKit's Home Hub, which may also be a significant reason to share the code now.
In addition, iOS 14 may end support for devices that are powered by an A8 chip, such as iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, as well as the current HomePod. Because support may end in iOS 14 and be replaced by tvOS, Apple can continue to push HomePod updates.
At the same time, there are rumors that Apple is developing a smaller and cheaper HomePod, which is expected to be released later this year, which could also be another explanation.
The watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod software are all clones of iOS, but each is differentiated by hardware configuration and has a specific interface and API.
The previous version of HomePod software was developed based on the operating systems used on iPhone and iPad, but now HomePod software is developed based on tvOS. Since the core of the operating system is the same, this has not caused a fundamental change in the way HomePod works.
Transitioning HomePod software from iOS to tvOS will save some development work, as Apple TV and HomePod are devices that are being plugged in and do not need to be optimized to conserve power like iOS. These two devices may also act as HomeKit's Home Hub, which may also be a significant reason to share the code now.
In addition, iOS 14 may end support for devices that are powered by an A8 chip, such as iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 4, as well as the current HomePod. Because support may end in iOS 14 and be replaced by tvOS, Apple can continue to push HomePod updates.
At the same time, there are rumors that Apple is developing a smaller and cheaper HomePod, which is expected to be released later this year, which could also be another explanation.
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