Keeping with its promise (opens in a new tab), Apple is giving its HomePod line of devices the ability to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through its sound recognition tool. Yes, that includes the discontinued first-generation HomePod model.
When it detects that an alarm is sounding, HomePod immediately sends a notification to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch to let you know of the potential emergency. You can then tap on those notifications on an iPhone or iPad to check if everything is okay. It could be a false alarm, after all. The device will then announce to everyone in your household that it is registering.
Apple mentions in its HomePod user guide (opens in a new tab) that the device can be used as an intercom (opens in a new tab) through the Home app to talk to others if the need arises. "And if you have a HomeKit camera in the same room as the HomePod," a live feed will appear on your portable device.
If you're at home, you probably won't need this new feature, since you'll probably be able to hear the chirp of the smoke detector. This update is for people who aren't home and want peace of mind knowing that their HomePod will notify them in an emergency.
household requirements
To use the smoke detector, you obviously need to enable sound recognition, which you can do through the Home app. You'll also need to have HomePod software version 16.4 or later installed and the latest Apple Home architecture installed. Instructions for upgrading your architecture are available on the company's support website (opens in a new tab). Also, it goes without saying that you'll need working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Sound recognition isn't exactly foolproof, as Apple notes that it "can detect...alarm sounds," apparently implying that the HomePod might not detect all alarms. You may be thinking about getting a smart smoke detector to make sure your alarms are heard. However, most smart smoke detectors in the United States do not support Apple HomeKit, with the exception of OneLink Safe & Sound(Opens in a new tab). The temperature sensor found in the HomePod 2 and Homepod mini models is not used, for example, to detect the heat of a house fire.
This does not mean that the update is useless. Far from it, but keep these shortcomings in mind. Apple states that "sound recognition should not be relied on in...emergency situations." But still, it's a great feature to have. Hopefully, it's the one you'll never need to use in a real emergency.
Check out TechRadar's list of the best home security systems for 2023 if you're looking for more ways to better protect your property.