Apple Confirms HomePod’s Supported Audio Sources

Apple today shed a bit more light on the specifications and features of its newly launched HomePod speaker, putting to rest some conflicting rumors about the HomePod’s supported audio sources.

The company on Thursday updated its HomePod tech specification page with a new section containing the official list of Audio Sources that HomePod will be able to use. Like on iOS, Apple’s first-party services will be compatible with Siri, but most require a subscription. Other streaming services will work, but there’s a catch.

Siri-Compatible Music Sources

Apple Music

First and foremost, there’s Apple Music. Users will be able to ask Siri to play any track from the 45-million song library on the first-party streaming service — although an Apple Music subscription is required.

iTunes Library

HomePod users can also ask Siri to play any songs, albums or audiobooks in their own iTunes library.

Apple’s HomePod tech specs do state that content played from the library must be purchased via the iTunes Store, however.

iCloud Music Library

Users will also be able to ask Siri to play songs uploaded to their iCloud Music Library, which is tied to their Apple ID and iCloud account. Users can play songs imported from third-party sources, such as those pulled from CDs.

However, Apple’s site notes that an iTunes Match or Apple Music subscription is required.

Beats 1 & Podcasts

HomePod users will also be able to ask Siri to play Apple’s official Beats 1 radio station.

In addition, any podcast episodes contained in the iTunes podcast directory can be played by Siri voice command, with no subscription required.

Will Spotify Play on HomePod?

If you’re wondering about other music streaming services like Spotify, those will be supported by HomePod — but with a caveat.

This means that a user with Spotify or YouTube Music will be able to stream tracks from their iOS devices through the HomePod speaker.

The main catch is that third-party audio sources via AirPlay won’t be Siri compatible. Basically, you won’t be able to ask Siri to play a song from Spotify.

The AirPlay requirement also rules out support for non-Apple devices. It seems, at this point, that your friends with Android phones won’t be able to connect to HomePod and play songs (workarounds exist, but they can be inconvenient).

HomePod will also support multi-room audio via the upcoming AirPlay 2, which is expected later this year.

Additional HomePod Info & Shipping Date

HomePod is Apple’s first smart home speaker. Along with the regular suite of smart speaker capabilities, HomePod also sports a number of audio- and music-centric features. The device retails for $349 in the United States.

The device became available for pre-order in the U.S., U.K., and Australia on Jan. 26. It will hit store shelves and begin shipping to consumers on Feb. 9.