Apple is expanding HomePod’s compatibility with third-party apps in iOS 17. While HomePod has always been able to play music from Apple Music, the list of third-party supported apps has been quite limited.
Fortunately, the tech giant is now bridging this gap by allowing users to leverage the power of Siri to play media from their favorite audio streaming apps on their iPhones and iPads.
HomePod will soon support Pandora, Deezer, Spotify, and other audio streaming services
During a WWDC 2023 session, Apple unveiled the updates coming to Siri and AirPlay that enable HomePod owners to request media playback from third-party iOS apps, even if those apps don’t natively support HomePod.
However, those third-party iOS apps must support the SiriKit API which enables users to control the app through Siri.
Apple explains that once HomePod receives a request, a SiriKit intent is sent to the user’s iPhone, which then activates the app and streams the content back to the HomePod through AirPlay. It’s important to note that the iOS device and HomePod must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network for this integration to function seamlessly.
The new integration covers a wide range of media, including music apps, audiobooks, podcasts, radio, and meditation. Users will be able to ask Siri to play artists, albums, songs, music genres, and hits, just like they would on their iPhone or iPad.
Moreover, Apple’s voice recognition technology ensures that requests are routed to the appropriate user’s device when multiple individuals are registered with the Home app. This enhancement makes the HomePod even more useful for those who do not subscribe to Apple Music, as it opens up the door to a broader selection of streaming services.
Although some popular apps like Spotify still lack native HomePod support, iOS 17 will enable Siri to play songs from these apps using the SiriKit API. So, even if Spotify isn’t compatible with HomePod, users can still play their favorite tracks on the speaker through Siri.
Apple has also made improvements to AirPlay in iOS 17, ensuring a more reliable experience for users. The operating system now leverages your listening habits to suggest AirPlay when a compatible speaker is nearby, making it even easier to enjoy your media on the go.
The beta version of iOS 17 is currently available to developers and is scheduled for public release this fall. A public beta is expected to be launched by July, allowing users to test out these exciting features ahead of the official release.
