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- Apple said smart home device makers can work with Apple to integrate Siri into their devices.
- However, the devices need to already be compatible with HomeKit, Apple's universal remote-like app.
- It's unclear if customers will be able to use iPhones or will need a HomePod to make Siri requests.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Apple said Monday that it would start allowing customers to make requests via Siri through non-Apple devices.
The company made the announcement at its annual Worldwide Developer's Conference, where it also unveiled its iOS 15 software update.
Apple said in a press release that starting immediately, smart home device makers can work with Apple to integrate Siri into their products.
Apple said Siri can be enabled on accessories that are compatible with HomeKit, Apple's universal remote-like app that you can use to control smart home devices.
Third-party accessory makers will be able to "relay requests through HomePod or HomePod mini and will support features such as Personal Requests, Intercom, timers, and alarms."
It's unclear if customers will be able to use iPhones to make requests via Siri on their third-party devices, or if the service is only available through HomePod and HomePod mini. Apple did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.
Apple said in March that it was discontinuing its original $350 HomePod smart speaker, but it will still focus on its $99 HomePod Mini, which is launched in fall 2020.
As Tom's Guide notes, Apple's HomeKit isn't compatible with as many third-party devices as Amazon and Google's digital assistants are.
And when Apple launched its original HomePod in 2018, it competed with the likes of Amazon Echo and Google Home but fell flat with consumers.