# The HomePod: Apple’s Most Overlooked Product in 2024
As Apple prepares for a year characterized by artificial intelligence (AI), the focus has been prominently directed towards various offerings, especially during occasions like the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) and the upcoming iPhone 16 unveiling. Yet, within this technological excitement, one gadget has been noticeably ignored: the HomePod. In spite of advancements in AI, which include the launch of Apple Intelligence and an upgraded Siri, the HomePod remains unchanged, prompting doubts about its place within Apple’s ecosystem.
## HomePod: The ‘Most Overlooked’ Award
In August 2024, Apple is poised to launch noteworthy updates across its product lines, encompassing iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, and visionOS 2. Each update is expected to introduce a multitude of new features and refinements. Nonetheless, the HomePod is highlighted as the sole product line not receiving any significant updates. While a HomePod 18 software update is anticipated, it seems to be nothing more than a bug fix, lacking any fresh features or enhancements to anticipate.
A brief look at Apple’s website illustrates a stark difference in the level of focus given to its different products. The iPhone, iPad, Mac, even AirPods and Apple TV are all showcased with thrilling new features, while the HomePod page remains surprisingly empty of any updates or enhancements. This disparity is further highlighted by the fact that the only new introduction for the HomePod this year was a color update for the HomePod mini, changing ‘space gray’ to a slightly different hue called ‘midnight’—a change deemed inconsequential by many.
## The Lack of Apple Intelligence and the New Siri
The HomePod’s neglect is particularly pronounced in the context of the debut of Apple Intelligence, which introduces a revised Siri. This enhanced Siri is developed to be more intelligent, context-aware, and capable of addressing a broader array of inquiries by leveraging external chatbots like ChatGPT. It also features improved speech recognition, enabling it to better comprehend user commands even if they are misarticulated.
Nonetheless, in spite of these upgrades, the HomePod will not gain from the new AI-empowered Siri. While devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac are set to benefit from these improvements, the HomePod is notably left out of this technological advancement. This is especially disappointing considering that the HomePod heavily depends on Siri as its main interface. The absence of these enhancements generates concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of the HomePod in an ever-evolving tech environment.
## The Outlook for the HomePod
Even with its present neglect, the HomePod remains a component of Apple’s product range. However, the lack of focus and innovation invites questions about its future. Apple has consistently favored its best-selling devices, and the HomePod, which sells in much lower quantities than the iPhone, has suffered as a consequence. The company’s minimal modifications to Siri and the HomePod over time have contributed to a sense of stagnation, leaving a multitude of users questioning the product’s future.
Speculation surrounding possible successors to the HomePod, including gadgets with displays and even robotic appendages, indicates that Apple might be considering a change in its strategy for smart home devices. However, without definitive communication from Apple on the HomePod’s future, uncertainty prevails.
## Conclusion
As a devoted HomePod user, it is disheartening to see the device overshadowed during a year that promises to be revolutionary for Apple. While it is understandable that Apple must prioritize its flagship products, the HomePod’s dependence on Siri and its exclusion from the advancements of Apple Intelligence cannot be ignored. The future of the HomePod remains ambiguous, and many users are left wishing for substantial updates and innovations that will rejuvenate this once-promising device.
What do you think about the current state of the HomePod? Do you believe it will gain the attention it merits in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
