What are Apple's new Intercom features?

The intercom can work with HomePod, HomePod mini, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and even CarPlay.

How to install Intercom

After updating HomePod to software 14.1 and iOS 14.2 (still in public beta), Intercom can be set up in the Home app. The intercom works if you have a HomePod or another compatible device. Currently there is no interface other than the Home app to use Intercom.

Step 1. Install HomePod 14.1 software.

Step 2. Open the Home app .

Step 3. Click on the small house icon on the left corner.

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Step 4. Click on Home Settings .

Step 5. Scroll down to select Intercom .

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Step 6. Adjust notification settings and choose which household members can use the Intercom feature.

Those with remote access to the Home app can send and receive Intercom messages even when they're not at home. Those messages will take the form of audio on iPhone and Apple Watch.

Anyone can be added to using Intercom. Go to the Home Settings screen and select Invite People .

Intercom requirements

The intercom can work with HomePod after installing the HomePod 14.1 update and the iPhone has been updated to iOS 14.

There may be some features that are still incomplete. To get the best Intercom performance, make sure all devices are updated to the latest OS version.

How to use Intercom to send messages to a HomePod

Intercom messages can be sent to HomePods using Siri on iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and other HomePods. To send Intercom messages, activate Siri on the above devices and say 'Intercom' plus the message you want to send.

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In the iPhone's Home app, there is a small sound wave icon on the right corner, click on it to record a message and then send it to the device.

How to use Intercom to send a message from HomePod to another device

You can use HomePod to send messages to HomePods in your home or devices including other family members.

Just like the above method, activate Siri and say Intercom plus a message that you can send messages to connected devices.

Send a message to a certain room

If you have multiple HomePod in different rooms, you can send messages directly to each HomePod by activating Siri and saying 'Intercom' + room name + message.

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To use this feature, the HomePod in the same home must be correctly split in the Home app. To install or change a room can follow these steps:

Step 1. Open the Home app .

Step 2. Select HomePod or HomePod mini from the device list.

Step 3. Hold down the HomePod icon .

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Step 4. Click the settings icon at the bottom of the interface or swipe down.

Step 5. Select Room .

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Step 6. Choose a room from the available list or click Create New .

Step 7. When done, close the interface by clicking the X on the corner of the window.

How to reply to a Intercom message

If you receive a Intercom message and want to return, activate Siri, say 'reply' + message.

Jessica Tanner

Update 26 October 2020