Don’t Hold Your Breath for a HomePod with a Screen Anytime Soon!
Apple’s Rumored Smart Home Product: The Awaited HomePod Screen Display
For months, there has been buzz surrounding Apple’s potential release of new smart home products, particularly a HomePod with a screen, often referred to as the “HomePad.” However, it seems eager enthusiasts will have to exercise more patience, as the expected release has been pushed back until late 2025.
No Release Until Late 2025
In a recent update, renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo shared that expectations for this product’s release may have been overly optimistic. While fellow analyst Mark Gurman had anticipated a launch as early as next March, Kuo provides a more conservative estimate, suggesting it may come out closer to the end of 2025, specifically in the third quarter. This delay appears to arise primarily from challenges in software development related to the device’s operating system.
Originally set for production in 2024, the timeline has seen multiple adjustments, most recently pushed to the first quarter of 2025. This is largely due to ongoing concerns regarding the software required for the new device, especially following Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in 2025.
What to Expect from This New Smart Home Product?
While Kuo aligns with Gurman’s insights, both analysts agree that this new device will not just be another smart speaker. Instead, it is being developed as a home control center, coded as J490.
What features can we expect? Here are some highlights:
- Advanced Processing Power: The device might incorporate an A18 chip complemented by at least 8GB of RAM. This setup should allow for enhanced Apple Intelligence functionalities.
- Screen Size: Speculations suggest a 6 to 7-inch display which will enhance user interaction.
- Integrated Camera: It may come equipped with a built-in camera suitable for FaceTime and other applications.
- Gesture Recognition: The system could recognize hand gestures from a distance, allowing users to control the device or access features without needing direct touch.
- User Identification: This centerpiece may also have capabilities to identify users and address various requests based on who is present.
This smart home command center aims to centralize Apple apps and strengthen HomeKit integration. By doing so, Apple would be better positioned in an already competitive smart home market, contending with giants like Google and Amazon while harnessing its secure ecosystem and AI technology.
Despite its promising features, the success of this hybrid HomePod hinges on its pricing strategy—which remains to be seen.
Recap of Various Rumors
The idea of a HomePod with visual capabilities isn’t new. Mark Gurman was among the first to mention this possibility back in 2021. As early as March 2023, Kuo provided insights into this product’s potential features which hinted at a design departure from the current HomePod, focusing specifically on the implementation of that much-anticipated 7-inch screen.
Gurman later reiterated that the new HomePod would feature not only a speaker but also a FaceTime camera and Siri integration. This later version was expected to debut by late 2023 or early 2024, but here we are, awaiting a new timeline.
As the year went on, tips from prototype collectors, including Kosutami on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that the HomePod’s forthcoming model would present a large LCD touchscreen, distinct from the second-generation HomePod released earlier in 2023. Rumors even emerged regarding a model in development designated by the code name B720.
To add to the anticipation, a February beta version of TVOS 17 revealed a mysterious device labeled Z314. This hint has gotten many speculating that development of this smart home product has gone into advanced stages.
Finally, this beta version included integration with SwiftUI frameworks in the HomePod firmware, which is typically utilized for debugging user interfaces on iOS applications, further implying the presence of a screen.
Conclusion
Apple’s venture into a smart home device with a display may redefine how users interact with their living environments. The anticipation is palpable, and while we must wait longer than expected, the innovative features and central control capabilities promise to make this new HomePod an exciting leap into smart home technology.
As details continue to unfold, those interested will be keeping a close eye on Apple’s moves in 2025 to see if this product truly delivers on the lofty expectations surrounding it. Whether it will stand out in a market filled with competition remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the path to a smarter home is being crafted meticulously at Apple, and fans eagerly await the next update.
