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It’s been some time since we’ve heard rumors about Apple’s formidable plans to broaden the HomePod lineup. A couple of days in the past, we bought a primary take a look at a prototype HomePod with an LCD display on high. Nonetheless, Apple desires to go even additional, and 9to5Mac has simply discovered that the corporate has been experimenting with a modified iPad mini operating tvOS for a future HomePod.
Apple has been experimenting with iPad mini 6 operating tvOS
Apple on Thursday launched the primary beta of iOS 17.2, together with tvOS 17.2 beta and different software program updates. Curiously, by digging into the firmware of tvOS 17.2 – the system that runs on each Apple TV and HomePod – we discovered sturdy proof that Apple is internally operating tvOS on the iPad.
For higher context, each firmware launched by Apple contains machine assist information that specify which units the software program could be put in on. On the subject of tvOS, this contains suitable Apple TV fashions, in addition to HomePods. For some motive, the newest tvOS builds even have machine assist information for the iPad mini 6.
However that’s not all. Looking additional, we found that the tvOS 17 SDK, which comes with Xcode 15, additionally contains hidden assist for the iPad mini 6. So as to add gasoline to the hearth, among the tvOS 17 frameworks that comprise audio calibration information for each machine supported by this working system have additionally been up to date with drivers for the iPad mini.
In fact, these information have been by no means meant to be seen by finish customers and even builders and are most likely leftovers from one thing Apple has been engaged on. What precisely? Presumably a brand new HomePod with a show that’s comparable in measurement to an iPad mini.
New HomePods with built-in show
Earlier this yr, Bloomberg reported that Apple has been engaged on a number of new sensible dwelling equipment, together with a brand new sensible show that mixes HomePod and Apple TV in a single machine. A couple of months later, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the corporate plans to introduce a bigger HomePod with a built-in 7-inch show.
For comparability, the iPad mini 6 has an 8.3-inch show. Since all the things appears to be fairly experimental for now, Apple’s engineers might have determined to run tvOS on the iPad mini to discover how the interface would work on such a tool.
On the similar time, Apple is creating a brand new model of the HomePod with a small LCD display on high. This one is already at a extra superior stage of improvement and is predicted to interchange the HomePod 2 sooner or later within the close to future. As for the model with a bigger show, it’s unclear whether or not it would ever see the sunshine of day.
StandBy Mode coming to iPadOS
That’s not the one factor Apple has been experimenting with. There have been additionally stories that Apple needed to launch a brand new dock accent for the iPad, much like Google’s Charging Speaker Dock for the Pixel Pill. 9to5Mac obtained entry to a preliminary interface of what can be the StandBy Mode tweaked for the iPad, which needs to be launched with iPadOS 18 subsequent yr.
On the iPhone, StandBy Mode requires the iPhone to be positioned horizontally on a stand with a view to work. On the iPad, this mode would make good sense with a brand new dock accent.
What do you consider having a HomePod with a completely purposeful show, or perhaps a new dock accent for the iPad? Tell us within the feedback part under.
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