HomePod operating system has been based on tvOS
Apple released the HomePod 13.4 system updates last month. Although it does not introduce new features for users, this update represents the Apple HomePod ecosystem’s major changes.
9to5Mac analyzed the code related to the HomePod firmware and found that since version 13.4, the HomePod operating system is based on tvOS instead of iOS.
Apple watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod operating systems are all variants based on the iOS system, but each one is distinguished by adjusting the hardware and has a unique interface and API.
The previous version of the HomePod system was developed based on the iOS system on the iPhone and iPad, and now the 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.
Converting the HomePod software to tvOS may save some development work because Apple TV and HomePod are devices that have been plugged in and do not need to be optimized for power saving like iOS. These two devices can also run as HomeKit’s control center, which may also be an important reason for the Apple TV and HomePod to share code now.
In addition, iOS 14 may end A8 chip device support, while HomePod is still an A8 chip. Apple may do this to provide longer system support for HomePod equipped with A8 chips.