New HomePod, Apple TV, HomePod Features: What You Need to Know

Apple today at WWDC unveiled new features coming to its Home products, specifically detailing upcoming features for Apple TV and its Home app and HomePod speakers.

“We design our Home products to elevate users’ everyday lives, and our latest updates reinforce that goal by delivering even more convenience and connection,” said Stan Ng, Apple’s vice president of Apple Watch, Audio, Health, and Home Product Marketing, in a statement. “This fall, tvOS 18 and our services take entertainment in the home to the next level by bringing timely information to fans about their favorite characters and scenes.”

tvOS 18:

• InSight feature for real-time information about actors, characters, and music from Apple TV+ movies and shows.
• Enhance Dialogue leverages machine learning for greater vocal clarity over background noise.
• Subtitles automatically appear at key moments, such as when language doesn’t match device settings, when muted, or during rewind.
• 21:9 support for projectors.
• New screen savers, including Portraits, TV and Movies, and Snoopy animations (this screen saver is going to be great!)
• Redesigned Apple Fitness+ in tvOS 18 with personalized spaces, enhanced search features, and awards.

Apple Services and Experiences:

• SharePlay in Apple Music allows sharing control of music from HomePod and HomePod mini.
• FaceTime updates with Continuity Camera and Live Captions for English in the U.S. and Canada (we are worthy).

Home App with iOS 18:

• Guest access to locks, garage doors, and security systems with individualized or time-based access.
• Hands-free unlock with home keys for supported entry locks.
• View and understand home electricity usage in partnership with utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric Company (California)
• Robot vacuum cleaners compatible with Home app for automations and Siri activation.
• AirPlay adds Spatial Audio for immersive audio experiences, including Dolby Atmos support.