References to New Skiing Workout for Apple Watch Uncovered in HomePod Firmware

Firmware for Apple's HomePod has already given us glimpses into the unreleased iPhone 8, including a glyph representing the basic front-facing design of the smartphone, as well as code that supports rumors of a "split" status bar.

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Apple Watch has yet to be mentioned in the discoveries, but recently developer Jeffrey Grossman shared a few pieces of information on Twitter that are potentially related to Apple's wearable device, which he discovered when looking through the HomePod's IPSW files.

At one point, the firmware includes a few references to a "Skiing Workout" alongside multiple strings that describe items like "Downhill Snow Sports Distance," "Ski Data," and "Workout Activity Type."

apple watch homepod firmware

Apple has been consistently adding new exercises to the Workout app for Apple Watch over the past few years, including swimming exercises in watchOS 3 (which requires Apple Watch Series 2) and new High Intensity Interval Training exercises in the upcoming watchOS 4.

As such, it's likely that there are various unannounced workouts that will be introduced in future watchOS 4 updates, which now might include sessions for skiers. Coming in the first public release of watchOS 4 are a number of UI improvements for the Workouts app, making it easier to start an exercise and string together different types of exercises.

Upon release, HomePod will run a version of iOS, and the firmware released by Apple that's been dissected by developers this week corresponds to iOS 11.0.2, lending credibility to all of the bits and pieces of information that have thus far been uncovered within the files.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)

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Top Rated Comments

JohnApples Avatar
106 months ago
Jeez, sure is a lot of sneak peak stuff tucked away in this firmware. I wonder if there are any clues to the iPhone 9 in there.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Michaelgtrusa Avatar
106 months ago
One would never think that this new device would provide so much info on future products.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ILikeAllOS Avatar
106 months ago
The HomePod is the gift that keeps on giving.
Hell, maybe I should buy myself one and see if it gives me the winning lottery numbers! :D
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ScottButler Avatar
106 months ago
This whole thing is so bizarre, is 'HomePod Firmware' infact just a codename for applesfutureplans.pdf
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ck2875 Avatar
106 months ago




Today I learnt that I don't swim with enough arm bracelets.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ck2875 Avatar
106 months ago
If so, someone who was an Apple Engineer or project lead last week has a lot of time on their hands today to find a new job.
Second Theory: An Apple engineer accidentally left their HomePod sitting on a bar stool ('https://www.macrumors.com/2013/06/26/finder-of-leaked-iphone-4-prototype-speaks-out/').
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)