Apple Brings Siri AI to Old Apple TV and HomePod: iPhone Required

Which older Apple TV and HomePod models are getting Siri AI?

According to Apple's press release footnote, Siri AI will come to the 2022 3rd-gen Apple TV 4K, the 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K, and the current HomePod mini. The feature is in tvOS 27.2 and iOS 27.2 betas and will roll out later this year.

Apple highlighted Siri AI when unveiling its new devices, but the company's footnote shows the feature isn't exclusive to new hardware. Owners of older Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will get the same AI experience without buying a new box or speaker.

Siri AI will initially be available in English in the US, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK. No official date has been shared for Turkey; language and region support for such features typically expands gradually.

• Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) — Siri AI support coming
• Apple TV 4K (3rd generation, 2022) — Siri AI support coming
• HomePod mini (current S5 chip model) — Siri AI support coming
• Apple TV HD — not on the Siri AI list
• HomePod (1st generation) — not on the Siri AI list

Do you need to buy a new Apple TV 4K or HomePod mini 2 for Siri AI?

No, you don't. Older Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will get Siri AI support. The new 4th-gen Apple TV 4K adds a faster A19 chip, built-in microphones, 128GB storage, and an Ethernet port; the HomePod mini 2 adds an S10 chip.

The new 4th-gen Apple TV 4K is priced at $300 and is available for preorder. It keeps the same design and resolution as the 2022 model; the differences are a more powerful processor, built-in microphones, and Ethernet connectivity.

The HomePod mini 2 moves to an S10 chip. Since the current S5-chip HomePod mini will also get Siri AI compatibility, upgrading the speaker just for the AI feature may be unnecessary. The new model adds extras like four-corner cinema setup, while the older model supports stereo pairing.

Is an iPhone required to use Siri AI?

Yes. According to Apple, using Siri AI will soon require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer, or an Apple Intelligence-capable iPad (M1 and later iPad Pro/Air, or A17 Pro iPad mini). The device must be on the same Wi-Fi network and recently unlocked.

Older Apple TV and HomePod mini models don't have the processing power to run Siri AI on their own. That's why Apple offloads the processing to a nearby iPhone or iPad. Users need to have that phone or tablet with them.

HomeView's ability to deliver personalized information to up to six people in the same home also depends on each family member having an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone or iPad. These devices must be paired with HomeView, on the same network, and recently unlocked.

What does Apple HomeView change in the smart home?

HomeView is Apple's first smart home device with a screen. It takes over tasks like timers, recipes, and FaceTime that an iPad often handles in the kitchen; with Siri AI, it can recognize family members and offer personal information. Preorders are open.

HomeView sits at the center of Apple's smart home push. The device can interact securely with multiple family members and aims to replace the iPad in shared spaces like the kitchen. Apple's new Home Collection strategy is also built around this device.

HomeView's preorder launch has strengthened Apple's ambition in the smart home market. TechCortex's earlier Apple HomeView preorder coverage shows this move aims to end app chaos.

Does the new Siri Remote work with older Apple TV models?

Yes. The 4th-gen Siri Remote is sold separately for $59, ships November 13, and is compatible with Apple TV 4K models and Apple TV HD. The remote adds precision finding and an audible alert that plays through FindMy.

The new remote looks the same as the previous one but adds precision finding to make it easier to locate when lost. This is especially handy for remotes that slip between couch cushions.

The remote's compatibility with older Apple TV models offers a small but meaningful upgrade path for users who don't plan to buy a new device. Apple's decision to maintain backward compatibility on accessories fits its ecosystem expansion strategy.

Bottom line

Apple is bringing Siri AI to older Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models, giving a cost advantage to those who've delayed their smart home upgrade. Don't rush to buy new hardware; check whether your current devices get the tvOS 27.2 or iOS 27.2 update. Remember that fully using Siri AI will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer.