AudioOS
AudioOS is the proprietary operating system developed by Apple Inc. for its HomePod and HomePod mini smart speakers, providing the core software infrastructure for immersive audio experiences, voice-activated controls via Siri, and smart home integration.[1] Internally referred to as audioOS, it is publicly marketed as HomePod software and functions as a derivative of tvOS, enabling features such as computational audio tuning for room-filling sound and support for advanced formats like Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.[2][3][4] Initially based on a fork of iOS upon the HomePod's launch in 2018, audioOS transitioned to its tvOS foundation starting with version 13.4 in 2020 to enhance multimedia and streaming capabilities.[2] The operating system powers key functionalities including high-fidelity music playback through Apple Music, Intercom for household announcements, and automation of HomeKit-compatible devices as a home hub.[4][5] Updates have introduced features such as natural language search for Apple Music and enhanced dialogue clarity for media playback on second-generation models in version 18.2 (2024), and crossfade transitions, Wi-Fi analysis for better AirPlay interoperability, and performance improvements in version 26 (September 2025).[4] AudioOS receives periodic updates via the Home app on iOS or iPadOS devices, aligning with broader Apple ecosystem releases to ensure security, stability, and new features.[4]History
Development
Development of AudioOS began around 2012 as part of Apple's project to create a high-fidelity wireless smart speaker, initially conceived as a side effort within the company's audio engineering teams. The project was cancelled and restarted several times during its development.[6] The software was designed to power the HomePod hardware, focusing on seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem, advanced audio processing, and Siri voice assistance. Early work emphasized computational audio algorithms to deliver room-filling sound without traditional equalization adjustments, leveraging Apple's custom silicon for real-time beamforming and stereo imaging.[7] The operating system, internally known as audioOS but publicly branded as HomePod Software, launched alongside the original HomePod on February 9, 2018, with version 11.0. This initial release was a fork of iOS, incorporating features like multi-room audio via AirPlay 2 and Siri-enabled music playback from Apple Music. Development prioritized privacy and performance, with on-device processing for Siri requests to avoid cloud dependency for basic commands. Subsequent updates in 2018, such as version 11.4, added stereo pairing and multi-room functionality, reflecting iterative refinements based on user feedback and hardware testing.[8][9] A significant architectural shift occurred in March 2020 with the release of version 13.4, when audioOS transitioned from an iOS fork to a derivative of tvOS. This change enabled deeper integration with Apple TV for home theater applications, including Dolby Atmos passthrough and enhanced video syncing for multi-speaker setups. The move aligned audioOS more closely with tvOS's media-focused framework, facilitating features like temperature and humidity sensing introduced in later HomePod models. HomePod mini launched in October 2020 with initial support added in version 14.2, extending the OS to the compact device with its S5 processor.[10][11][12][13] Ongoing development has emphasized ecosystem expansion and AI enhancements. Versions 15 and 16 introduced Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos and Lossless playback support, leveraging the S7 chip in the second-generation HomePod released in 2023. By 2024, audioOS 18 added SharePlay for collaborative music sessions and improved Siri intelligence, drawing on Apple's unified software platforms for cross-device continuity. Apple continues to iterate on audioOS through over-the-air updates, focusing on smart home interoperability via HomeKit and Matter standards, without public disclosure of developer tools specific to the OS.[4]Release history
AudioOS, the operating system powering Apple's HomePod and HomePod mini smart speakers, was initially released as version 11.0 on February 9, 2018, coinciding with the launch of the original HomePod. Early versions were derived from iOS, focusing on core audio playback, Siri integration, and basic smart home controls, with over-the-air updates addressing stability and compatibility issues shortly after the device's debut.[14][4] Subsequent updates through version 13 emphasized enhancements to Siri functionality, multi-room audio via AirPlay 2 (introduced in 11.4), and expanded language support, while laying the groundwork for broader HomeKit integration. By version 13.4 in March 2020, audioOS transitioned to a forked version of tvOS, enabling more optimized media processing and paving the way for the HomePod mini's introduction.[4][11] The following table summarizes major version releases, their initial availability dates, and key feature introductions:| Version Series | Initial Release Date | Key Features and Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 11 (iOS-based) | February 9, 2018 | AirPlay 2 multi-room audio, stereo pairing, lyrics search in music.[4] |
| 12 (iOS-based) | September 17, 2018 | Multiple timers, Find My support, enterprise network compatibility, regional expansions (e.g., Japan, Taiwan).[4] |
| 13 (iOS-based to tvOS fork) | October 28, 2019 | Voice recognition for personal requests, handoff from iPhone, Ambient Sounds, HomeKit scenes; tvOS fork from 13.4.[4][11] |
| 14 | October 20, 2020 | HomePod mini support, Intercom announcements, Home Theater mode for Apple TV, Ultra Wideband handoff.[4] |
| 15 | September 20, 2021 | Spatial Audio and Lossless playback, multi-user Siri (up to six voices), Apple Music Voice Plan, expanded language recognition (e.g., Mandarin, Japanese).[4] |
| 16 | September 12, 2022 | Matter smart home protocol support, temperature and humidity sensing (2nd gen HomePod), Find My integration, recurring automations.[4] |
| 17 | September 18, 2023 | Enhanced Dialogue for audio clarity, Siri AirPlay controls and natural language media search, preferred service learning.[4] |
| 18 | September 16, 2024 | SharePlay for synchronized Apple Music listening, improved Siri search and dialogue enhancement.[15][4] |
| 26 | September 15, 2025 | Crossfade transitions in playback, enhanced AirPlay reliability and handoff, performance optimizations; general stability improvements in minor updates.[4][16] |