iOS 26 Brings New Functionality to HomePod

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apple Introduces Genmoji on HomePod with iOS 26
Now your speaker can send emoji. Because that was the missing piece in your life.

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA — June 25, 2025 — In a move that’s “revolutionary”, Apple today announced game changing new functionality: Genmoji are now available on HomePod with the release of iOS 26.

Yes, the speaker that’s been magically playing your music and mishearing your requests since 2018 is now capable of responding with AI-generated emojis. Because clearly, what users wanted was not better Siri comprehension, multi-user memory, or local podcast support—it was anthropomorphic emojis giving them side-eye.

“Built from the ground up for Apple Intelligence, Genmoji on HomePod represents a huge leap forward in ambient personality projection,” said Kelly Smirkson, VP of Feature Justification. “Now when you ask Siri about the weather, she can shrug with a sarcastic cartoon cloud or a web emoji instead of the typical 'here's what I found on the web'.”

New Features in iOS 26 for HomePod include:


* Emotionally Overexpressive Siri: No longer limited to just voice, Siri now responds to queries with abstract Genmoji. Ask how your stocks are doing, and HomePod may respond with a todamoon rocket, sweating piggy bank or a burning dumpster.
* Silent Judgment, Visually Rendered: You’ll know HomePod is listening—and quietly mocking—when it flashes a Genmoji of an exhausted rabbit in response to your third Taylor Swift request of the day.
* Voice-to-Emoji Translation: Tell your HomePod you’re “fine,” and it’ll reply with a melting smiley that says, “No you’re not, but sure.”

Critics have described the feature as “the least helpful update since U2 appeared in my library,” and “a high-effort way to feel low-key insulted by a $299 speaker.”

When pressed for clarity on the feature’s purpose, Apple responded, “Vibes.”

Compatibility: Genmoji on HomePod requires iOS 26 and a tolerance for minor absurdity. Works on HomePod (2nd gen) and HomePod mini. Not supported on AirPods Pro—yet. But don’t worry. We’re working on it.

At Apple, we’ve always believed in pushing the boundaries of what technology can do.

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Can innovate anymore my ass!

Hope they bring back the feature "doesn't mishear you half the time" and get rid of the feature "hang for 15 seconds and then say it ran into a problem." Our HomePod mini has gotten steadily less usable with every update.

Still waiting for the MANUAL EQ on the Music APP.

I remember when Apple brought this novel feature to the i... Pod. Like 2 decades ago. What's Apple been doing since then?

Are we talking OG Homepod or only gen 2?