In an exciting development for smart home enthusiasts, Apple is reportedly in the final stages of preparing a next-generation HomePod with a built-in display. This evolution of the HomePod product line introduces a 7-inch touchscreen, integrated battery, and next-level support for Apple Intelligence, marking Apple’s foray into the competitive smart display market. Initially slated for release earlier, the launch has been delayed to integrate advanced AI-driven functionalities seamlessly.

At the heart of the upcoming HomePod is a 6- to 7-inch panel, expected to have a square, iPad-like form factor. This touchscreen will not only serve as a gateway for interactive controls but will also enable visual feedback for Siri commands. Think detailed weather displays, album art during music playback, or live security camera feeds. A built-in camera will also unlock FaceTime calls directly from the device, offering a complete blend of communication and utility for the connected home ecosystem.

Powered by Apple’s cutting-edge A18 chip, the device will excel at on-device intelligence, ensuring fast and privacy-centric processing. A new operating system, dubbed "homeOS," is expected to debut with this HomePod variant. The OS appears to be tailored for smart home functions, offering robust support for widgets, multi-device interactivity, and advanced natural language processing to enhance Siri’s responsiveness. From controlling a plethora of HomeKit-enabled devices to providing proactive suggestions based on user behavior, this HomePod aims to be a central command hub.

Design-wise, the unit seems to prioritize flexibility. Early reports suggest it will have options to be wall-mounted or paired with a tabletop speaker base, making it adaptable for various settings—whether as a living room centerpiece or a discreet kitchen assistant. With its integrated battery, it could also potentially double as a portable smart device, allowing users to move it between rooms easily without requiring constant recharging.

The combination of tactile display, deep integration with Apple Intelligence, and fit-for-purpose hardware could make this HomePod a strong contender against established smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Max. If all internal testing progresses smoothly, the HomePod with a display could arrive as early as 2025, introducing a new level of intelligence and interactivity into Apple’s smart home vision.

In an exciting development for smart home enthusiasts, Apple is reportedly in the final stages of preparing a next-generation HomePod with a built-in display. This evolution of the HomePod product line introduces a 7-inch touchscreen, integrated battery, and next-level support for Apple Intelligence, marking Apple’s foray into the competitive smart display market. Initially slated for release earlier, the launch has been delayed to integrate advanced AI-driven functionalities seamlessly.

At the heart of the upcoming HomePod is a 6- to 7-inch panel, expected to have a square, iPad-like form factor. This touchscreen will not only serve as a gateway for interactive controls but will also enable visual feedback for Siri commands. Think detailed weather displays, album art during music playback, or live security camera feeds. A built-in camera will also unlock FaceTime calls directly from the device, offering a complete blend of communication and utility for the connected home ecosystem.

Powered by Apple’s cutting-edge A18 chip, the device will excel at on-device intelligence, ensuring fast and privacy-centric processing. A new operating system, dubbed "homeOS," is expected to debut with this HomePod variant. The OS appears to be tailored for smart home functions, offering robust support for widgets, multi-device interactivity, and advanced natural language processing to enhance Siri’s responsiveness. From controlling a plethora of HomeKit-enabled devices to providing proactive suggestions based on user behavior, this HomePod aims to be a central command hub.

Design-wise, the unit seems to prioritize flexibility. Early reports suggest it will have options to be wall-mounted or paired with a tabletop speaker base, making it adaptable for various settings—whether as a living room centerpiece or a discreet kitchen assistant. With its integrated battery, it could also potentially double as a portable smart device, allowing users to move it between rooms easily without requiring constant recharging.

The combination of tactile display, deep integration with Apple Intelligence, and fit-for-purpose hardware could make this HomePod a strong contender against established smart displays like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub Max. If all internal testing progresses smoothly, the HomePod with a display could arrive as early as 2025, introducing a new level of intelligence and interactivity into Apple’s smart home vision.