Nighttime smoke alarm chirping is mainly caused by temperature fluctuations affecting battery performance, especially in older detectors or those exposed to sunlight. To fix this, replacing the batteries is the most effective solution. Modern alarms with voice alerts or app integration can help identify issues early and prevent unnecessary disturbances.
Apple's Sound Detection feature is now available on the first- and second-gen HomePods and the HomePod Mini, allowing the smart speakers to listen for smoke and CO alarms and send a notification to your phone. The feature does not require smart smoke alarms or an internet connection, making it an attractive option for Apple Home users. The feature is free and all audio analysis is done on-device, with end-to-end encryption for remote check-ins. Amazon's Echo and Google's Nest smart speakers also have similar features, but with different limitations and requirements.
The latest version of HomePod and HomePod mini now have a Sound Recognition feature that can detect activated smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, sending a notification to an iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. The feature can be set up using the Home app on an Apple device and can send a video along with the alert if a camera is incorporated in the HomeKit setup. The alert is sent from device to device, with no involvement of Apple's cloud servers.