Photo Credit: Sumudu Mohottige
Apple plans to release a HomePod with a 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and AI support in 2025.
Apple is planning to release a “HomePod” with a 7-inch LCD display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support in 2025, according to a report from Bloomberg. While it’s unclear how much the device would cost, Apple is apparently aiming at a “reasonable price.” The company recently selected China-based manufacturer Tianma to supply the “exceptionally competitive”-priced LCD panels for the new device.
A HomePod with a screen has been much discussed over the past few years. Earlier this month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said a HomePod with a 6 or 7 inch display, A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support would enter mass production in the second half of 2025. Smart home capabilities are rumored to be a core aspect of the device.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple’s new smart home hub looks like a “square iPad” with a 6-to-7-inch screen. It can be attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, or mounted on the wall. It will also run a new “homeOS” operating system.
The home screen features a customizable widget-oriented home screen and will revolve around Siri, Apple Intelligence, and HomeKit. Further, it might double as a home security system by displaying camera footage, and will probably come equipped with a built-in camera allowing for FaceTime calls.
Apple’s new HomePod would compete with products like Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show. It’s unknown whether Apple will use the HomePod branding for the new hub device, or if it will get a new name and new branding. The current HomePod may or may not get an update next year, but a new HomePod mini is expected to drop sometime in 2025.
2025 is looking to be a big year for Apple, which is pushing further into smart home products and is rumored to launch several new products. These include new iPhones, new AirPods, M4 Macs, a smart home command center, and more.