Apple has released the new system update version 27.2.1 for HomePod smart speakers and Apple TV systems; however, the update did not include the activation of the AI-powered Siri assistant (Siri AI) on the HomePod mini 2 as expected. The company continues to indicate on its official website that the feature will be available in a "future software update," without specifying a clear timeframe for its release.
RAM limitations and processing challenges
The obstacle to activating direct AI features on the HomePod mini 2 stems from the device having only 2GB of RAM, which is significantly lower than the 8GB minimum required to run dedicated AI models. Due to this hardware limitation, responding to personal context requests and advanced features on the device will rely on connecting to iPhone or iPad devices equipped with Apple Intelligence and having the Siri AI option enabled.
Enabling Siri AI on the Apple TV 4K platform
In contrast, the tvOS 27.2.1 system update provided a positive step for users of Apple's home entertainment platforms, as it officially enabled Siri AI features on the second and third generations of Apple TV 4K. The feature is available as a beta option that requires manual activation by the user, as the "Siri Classic" assistant remains the default option after installing the update.
To enable the new version on Apple TV 4K devices, users must go to the Settings app, then select General, then Siri, and enable the "Siri AI (Beta)" option to begin downloading the AI-supported auxiliary software files.
What changes practically for users?
This update shows a clear contrast in Apple's strategy for deploying AI features in the smart home environment:
- Devices with limited memory: Devices like the HomePod mini 2 will require external processing based on paired devices to provide personalized answers based on user data.
- Home entertainment devices: Apple TV 4K devices (second and third generations) receive support for direct Siri AI features after manual activation from settings.
- Continuation of the traditional assistant: The standard Siri system continues to work by default unless the user intervenes to activate the new beta version.