How HomePod (mini) is designed to detect smoke and carbon monoxide

The recently introduced one 2nd generation HomePod as the home pod mini should be able to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms after a software update in the coming months. The devices themselves do not serve as smoke detectors or carbon monoxide sensors. They only use the sound recognition, which was introduced in 2020 under iOS on the iPhone. There you can see doorbells, dogs, cats, car horns, running water and more (Details here). It is not yet clear whether the noise detection will be completely transferred to the smart speaker or whether only alarms should be heard.

Sound detection as a new function in the smart home

So far, when looking at Apple's smart speakers, the focus has been on the output of audio. Aside from Siri and the intercom feature, there weren't that many options for inputting sounds. With sound detection, which Apple says "later this spring via software update“ is to be made possible, but there are new possible applications for it. As already described above, smoke detectors / fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are primarily to be detected. If the warning tone of these devices is recognized, then there is a message on the paired iPhone, so that you know what's going on at home, even when you're away from home.

Safety notice for noise detection and warning function

"Sound detection is not intended for use in situations where users could be injured, that are dangerous or risky, or in emergency situations“, It says in the press release, which introduces the new 2nd generation HomePod. So if a home fire is smoldering, the apartment is burning, or carbon monoxide builds up, a notification can be received on the iPhone, but it should not be relied on. It may be better to install warning systems that can be integrated into the smart home via HomeKit or Matter and provide notifications themselves for double security. How would you go about staying up to date?

All components must have the latest software installed

It is clear that these devices require a software update for the noise detection of the HomePod 2 and the HomePod mini. But all other devices and systems also need to be up to date for sound detection, usage and alert notifications. "Sound detection requires the updated Home architecture, which will be available as a separate update in the Home app. It requires the latest software to be used on all Apple devices connected to the smart home", it says in the press release linked above from last week. So this will probably also require an iOS, iPadOS and/or macOS update.

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.