by It was recently reported that Apple is working on a new hybrid device that combines HomePod and Apple TV features and includes a screen similar to the iPad. The front of the screen was designed to be a squash panel, as opposed to the iPad’s rectangular screen. It’s now being reported that the company’s new HomePod, which has a display running homeOS, will arrive next year and will be powered by the new Apple Intelligence features.
HomePod with display with Apple Intelligence features as the device is powered by the company’s A18 chip from the iPhone 16
Apple announced Apple Intelligence with iOS 18 in June, and now the company is expected to release the update for iPhone 15 Pro models and the entire iPhone 16 series. The update has some hardware requirements, including at least 8GB of RAM and possibly a faster chipset, at least the A17 Pro chip. In his new one Power On NewsletterBloomberg’s Mark claims that Apple will launch the HomePod with a display next year, and that the company’s homeOS platform will power the device.
The report states that the company is working on two smart device models: a cheaper model with build number J490 and a more expensive model with build number J595. Only the more expensive model is expected to feature a robotic arm, while the standard version will feature a display, which will likely be attached to the smart device’s body. Since both models will run homeOS under the hood, the company also plans to add Apple Intelligence features to the mix.
Apple likely wants to add a dedicated software experience to the HomePod, and it will be the first time the company has added a display to its HomePod smart speaker. The device will act as a hub for all compatible devices that support HomeKit and Matter, allowing users to control any device through the smart speaker. Gurman reports that tvOS will be the basis for homeOS and expects the two platforms to combine in the future.
We can expect homeOS to have a layout similar to tvOS, but exact details are scarce at this stage and the final say lies with Apple. The device was also rumored to have a hefty price tag of $1,000. Since the upcoming device will have Apple Intelligence features, we can expect the HomePod with a display to have internals similar to those of the iPhone 16 models, at least to handle the new AI feature on the device to float. Take the news with a grain of salt, because the final say lies with Apple. Do you think Apple will overcharge users for its upcoming smart speaker with a display?
