With the introduction of the “Hey Siri” command in iOS 8, Apple enabled users to interact seamlessly with the virtual assistant without physical interaction. However, this feature has inadvertently led to Siri being activated by television advertisements featuring the command. Fortunately, Apple is now addressing this issue.
Apple advertisements will stop triggering Siri
As reported by DMN, the newly released beta version of tvOS 18.2 this week includes an interesting new framework named “AdBlocker.” While the name may imply a straightforward ad-blocking function, further investigation reveals a more complex purpose.
The AdBlocker framework is associated with ShazamKit, the API that enables apps to integrate Shazam, a music recognition service acquired by Apple in 2018. Notably, the framework also ties into the processes that handle the “Siri” and “Hey Siri” voice commands on Apple devices.
Code analysis indicates that the “AdBlocker” will download audio fingerprints from Apple’s servers, utilizing the Shazam API to compare these against audio picked up by the device’s microphones through the Hey Siri functionality. When specific audio matches are detected, the new framework will temporarily disable the activation of Siri.
It is likely that Apple will employ audio fingerprints from its advertisements and presentations to prevent any mention of Siri from inadvertently activating the assistant on users’ devices.
Currently, the AdBlocker framework is exclusively identified in tvOS 18.2, suggesting that Apple intends to roll it out first on the HomePod. In 2019, numerous HomePod users reported issues when an AirPods advertisement aired featuring a character asking Siri to play a song, which activated their HomePods in response.
Apple is anticipated to release tvOS 18.2 in December, which will also support various aspect ratios on Apple TV.
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