Apple is repositioning the HomePod with smart home features and is working on a dedicated device to carry HomeKit-enabled accessories. While the new HomePod will still act as a smart speaker, the company also wants the device to act as a hub for all home-based accessories. This time, the device will feature a 6 to 7-inch display and will be powered by the A18 chip for Apple Intelligence features.
Apple's upcoming HomePod with a smart display has been delayed to launch in the second half of 2025
Apple's smart home display was initially rumored to be a device with the qualities of the HomePod and an iPad-like display. As it turns out, the new HomePod with a smart Home display will feature a 6 to 7-inch display, which is smaller than we had anticipated earlier, according to Ming-Chi Kuo. The display will be the main aspect of the device through which users will be able to interact with the device.
Apple is aiming to bring its AI features to its new HomePod with a smart display, which makes perfect sense, as the device will handle essential features carried out through a smarter version of Siri. Kuo states that the hardware of the device is ready, and it is not a contributing factor to the delay. Instead, the company is having technical challenges when it comes to the development of the software. We believe the device will come with a dedicated operating system called homeOS, which will receive updates similar to other Apple products.
Apple has been working on new versions of the HomePod for a while, and it was reported previously that a HomePod with a robotic arm was also in the works. It remains to be seen if the company will announce two variants of HomePod next year. Apple was previously reported to launch the new HomePod in the first half of next year, potentially alongside the M3 iPad Air and the M4 MacBook Air models.
As mentioned, the company is developing a dedicated operating system for the new HomePod with a smart display. It makes sense for the company to launch the device in the latter half of 2025, as it has to showcase the abilities of the device at its WWDC event. Apple will announce major Apple Intelligence upgrades with iOS 19, and seemingly it will be the perfect stage for the company to introduce its home-based operating system for the forthcoming smart HomePod.
Kuo claims that the HomePod will adhere to the strategic repositioning of the product line, targeting the smart home market. Gurman also shared similar insights about the device and its position in the market. To be precise, Gurman claimed that the device would be an all-in-one solution for home management and would come with a square-shaped display with thick bezels similar to the iPad.
Initial shipments of the new HomePod with a smart display are estimated to be around 500,000 units in the second half of 2025, and Tianma Microelectronics will be the exclusive supplier for the display. Apple will also launch a handful of accessories in the future which will wirelessly work with the new HomePod. We will share additional details on the device as soon as further information is available.
