Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo says a HomePod with display now won’t launch until the third quarter of next year. He’d initially expected it to be launched in the first half of 2024, then said it had been pushed back to the first half of 2025.
The reason for the latest delay, he says, is that software development for the new device is taking longer than expected …
HomePod with display
Rumors about Apple working on a HomePod with some kind of display date back to 2022. At that time, it was believed that the device would be a speaker with a magnetic docking plate for an iPad.
Just over a year ago, we got sight of a prototype HomePod with an LCD screen, and our own sources confirmed that it was real.
Photos of one of these prototypes have now surfaced on the web, and we can confirm that these photos are from a real prototype. The Apple prototype collector known as Kosutami shared images of components from an unreleased HomePod this morning, and interestingly, there’s a large touchscreen sensor at the top, with a much larger area than the current HomePod panel. Then Kosutami shared a photo of a prototype HomePod that has a fully functional LCD on top.
Parker Ortolani created concept images consistent with this (left in the above photo). However, multiple reports have pointed to an all-in-one unit with its own 7-inch display, similar to the Amazon Echo Show seen top-right. Other reports have suggested something looking like an iMac G4, though Bloomberg has said that device may or may not include a speaker, suggesting it may be a distinct product. There has also been talk of a wall-mounted display.
At this point, it’s unclear whether Apple is experimenting with different form factors for a single product, or is planning a range of smart home hardware.
Delayed until late 2025
Kuo now says that the launch of a HomePod with display has been delayed until Q3 2025, due to problems with software development.
The mass production schedule for the display-equipped HomePod has been delayed multiple times. Initially forecasted for 2024 (as I predicted in 2023), it was postponed to 1Q25, and more recently, further delayed to after WWDC 2025/3Q25.
The delay in production is mainly due to software development. The display-equipped HomePod is expected to feature an A18 processor, a 6–7 inch display, and support for the Apple Intelligence.
Kuo suggests that the upcoming product is part of Apple repositioning the HomePod as less of a speaker and more as a smart home control center.
9to5Mac’s Take
At this point, it’s hard to be certain what Apple intends to launch, much less when the company will do so. Given this is the third date Kuo has suggested, it’s best to view this report simply as continued evidence that smart home hardware is a key focus for Apple.
Concept image: Parker Ortolani
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