Apple is giving developers advance notice to get their apps ready for the HomePod experience.
Along with releasing new firmware for the unreleased HomePod smart speaker, Apple also notified developers that iOS 11.2 adds SiriKit for HomePod as a way to integrate voice-only experiences into the app.
Developers can use SiriKit with their iOS and watchOS apps so that Siri can be used to execute certain commands and like messaging, notes, lists and more. With SiriKit apps, HomePod users will be able to tell Siri to do tasks like hail an Uber, send a text with weChat, or write a quick and then have that task carried out on the connected iOS device.
In a new blog post on its website, Apple explained why developers should add support for SiriKit.
“iOS 11.2 introduces SiriKit for HomePod, the powerful speaker that sounds amazing, adapts to wherever it’s playing, and provides instant access to Apple Music. HomePod is also a helpful home assistant for everyday questions and tasks. With the intelligence of Siri, users control HomePod through natural voice interaction. And with SiriKit, users can access iOS apps for Messaging, Lists, and Notes. Make sure your SiriKit integration is up to date and test your app’s voice-only experience today.
Developers have begun digging through the new HomePod firmware looking for new clues and features. One unearthed gem reveals that HomePod will take a cue from the Macintosh during its setup process.
"Hi, I’m Siri, it sure is great to be out of that box". This is what the HomePod will say to you once set up.
— Guilherme Rambo (@_inside) October 30, 2017
Apple’s HomePod speaker is set to launch in December for $349.
