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New HomePod (left) internal layout versus old (right)
As is traditional in the days before WWDC, compatibility lists leak out. This time, the HomePod Software 26 list is out, with a surprise.
There have been almost no rumors about the September 2025 revision to the HomePod software, other than it being probably called HomePod Software 26. However, what devices are compatible was not leaked before Friday’s post.
Before this leak, saying that all HomePods ever shipped are compatible, we’d have guessed that the original HomePod that shipped in 2018 would have been dropped off the compatibility list. After all, it was announced at the 2017 WWDC, shipped in February 2018, and uses the A8 processor found in the Apple TV HD, but nowhere else.
Apple shifted its focus to the HomePod mini in 2020. It cited that focus in the discontinuation of the product at retail in March 2021.
It was classified as vintage in 2024, a year after release of the second generation of the larger HomePod.
We feel that the leak is probably right. The leaker in question has a long and storied history of this kind of post, and also for leaking build numbers of betas accurately in the days before release.
Regardless, we’ll all find out on Monday, June 9. Apple’s 2025 WWDC keynote is scheduled for 1PM ET.
