An open Apple HomePod mini showing the hidden temperature and humidity sensor.
Source: iFixit; Expanded by Bloomberg
Source: iFixit; Expanded by Bloomberg
HomePod mini speaker from Apple Inc. launched last November with new features, such as a home intercom system. But part of the device remained secret: a sensor that measures temperature and humidity.
The technology giant based in Cupertino, California, has never released this component and the device currently lacks consumer-facing features that use it. The company has internally discussed the use of the sensor to determine the temperature and humidity of a room so that thermostats connected to the Internet can adjust different parts of a home based on current conditions, according to people familiar with the situation. The hardware can also allow the HomePod mini to automatically trigger other actions, such as turning a fan on or off, depending on the temperature.
Texas Instruments humidity and temperature sensor of a mini HomePod.
Source: iFixit; Expanded by Bloomberg
If Apple eventually enabled the sensor, it would reinforce a smart home strategy that sometimes lacks focus and lags behind rivals. The latest Echo speakers from Amazon.com Inc. have temperature sensors, while Google’s Nest sells sensors that can be placed in homes and connected to their thermostats to adjust the temperature of each room.
The new features would be a special benefit for an Apple software system called HomeKit, which controls thermostats, lights, locks, plugs and other household devices. HomeKit works with fewer gadgets than similar software from Amazon and Google, and Apple does not manufacture its own smart home hardware other than the HomePod and the Apple TV streaming box. However, there are about 40 thermostats shown on the Apple website that are compatible with HomeKit.
Comparison of size of the temperature sensor and an SD card.
Source: iFixit
The sensor, measuring 1.5 by 1.5 millimeters, is buried in the bottom edge of the plastic box wrapped in the fabric of the HomePod mini, near the power cable. The component’s location was confirmed by iFixit, which dismantled one of the speakers after consulting Bloomberg News. The sensor is manufactured by Texas Instruments Inc. and is called the HDC2010 Digital Humidity and Temperature Sensor, according to TechInsights, a company that analyzes components within electronics.
The part is located relatively far from the main internal components of the device, which means that it is designed to measure the external environment instead of the temperature of other electronic components of the speaker. Many mobile devices include sensors that can trigger the device to decrease performance or disable features to prevent components from overheating.
The other side of the sensor.
Source: iFixit
Although rare, this is not the first time that Apple has introduced a dormant piece of technology to its devices. The 2008 iPod touch had a Bluetooth chip, but support for Bluetooth connectivity was enabled the following year through software. Apple typically releases major HomePod software updates annually in the fall. It is unclear whether or when Apple will turn on the temperature sensor, but its presence in already sold HomePod mini units suggests that this is only a matter of time. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
Apple did not have a serious offer in the smart home market until 2018 with the original HomePod. This device was recently discontinued after poor sales. Some company decision makers fear that it is too late for Apple to make a strong entry into the industry, especially as it focuses on other new categories, such as virtual and augmented reality headsets and autonomous electric cars. Others believe that the company can take time and customers will still be interested.
Apple’s HomePod speakerphone is introduced during the launch of a virtual product.
Photographer: Daniel Acker / Bloomberg
Some experts blame Siri, Apple’s voice recognition service that, while improving, is still behind Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa. Whatever the reason, no unifying strategy has emerged so far, said one of the people familiar with the situation. People asked not to be identified by discussing sensitive issues. This happened after Apple sought to renew its smart home efforts with a new team started to form in 2019.
Apple continues to take advantage of this opportunity through updates for individual devices. Before the discontinuation of the larger HomePod, the company was working on an updated version for launch in 2022. It is also developing new speakers with screens and cameras, but such a release is not imminent. Apple is also working on an update to the Apple TV set-top box. Until that time, Apple will probably try to unlock the maximum functionality of the mini HomePod.