Rumors Abound for Apple's Upcoming HomePod: A New iOS Smart Speaker Featurng a Screen
We love the Apple HomePod smart speaker range, with the HomePod 2 and HomePod Mini receiving top marks for their fantastic sound quality, design, and affordability. However, rumors are swirling about an upcoming HomePod model with a screen, which could significantly boost its 'smart' capabilities.
Without a doubt, the next-gen HomePod is on Apple's radar, and experts suspect it will feature a screen. Here's what we know so far:
Anticipated Release
Although specific launch dates are still up in the air, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that the HomePod with a screen could hit the market by the end of the year at the earliest [1]. However, it remains uncertain, as Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has pointed out that the release date is still inconsistent [2].
The new device is expected to run on homeOS, a new operating system that combines Apple TV's tvOS platform with HomePod-specific software, focusing exclusively on the home [4]. Hence, it's likely that the HomePod will be compatible with other smart home devices, allowing users to control them hands-free.
Expected Price
The HomePod with a screen's price will depend on how the screen is integrated. If it boasts a 7-inch screen, as some analysts hypothesize, the price might be significantly higher than a standard HomePod. However, if the screen is limited to a small display on the device's top end, the price may not differ much from current HomePod models [3].
Projected Features
Although the HomePod with a screen's specifics remain unclear, it's expected to offer iPad-like touchscreen capabilities, alongside familiar HomePod functionalities like playing music and acting as a smart home hub [1].
One anticipated feature is SharePlay, which enables multi-user streaming and sharing content during FaceTime calls [4]. Furthermore, reports suggest that the new HomePod could support larger screens, potentially even rivaling Amazon's Echo Show 15 and Microsoft's Surface Hub [1].
Sources claim that the HomePod with a screen will likely resemble Amazon Echo's design, with a primary focus on speaker functionality, video calls, and displaying notifications [1]. In addition, a now-deleted tweet revealed a prototype featuring a touchscreen glass top, although the veracity of this claim is questionable [3].
Naming
With a new screen and enhanced functionality, it's sensible to assume that Apple will dub this device something other than the HomePod 2. Possible names could include HomePod 3, HomePod Max, or HomePod View to emphasize the screen component [4].
Early Verdict
The HomePod with a screen is an exciting prospect, offering the potential for improved Siri and AI capabilities, enhanced audio quality, and seamless smart home control. As more details emerge, you can stay updated right here.
References:
- Bloomberg
- MacRumors
- 9to5Mac
- CNET
- Experts suggest that the upcoming HomePod model with a screen may run on homeOS, a new operating system that combines Apple TV's tvOS platform with HomePod-specific software.
- The HomePod with a screen could be compatible with other smart home devices, allowing users to control them hands-free.
- If the new HomePod features a 7-inch screen, it might be more expensive than a standard HomePod, but if the screen is limited to a small display on the device's top end, the price may not differ much.
- The HomePod with a screen is expected to offer iPad-like touchscreen capabilities, alongside familiar HomePod functionalities like playing music and acting as a smart home hub.
- Reports suggest that the new HomePod could support larger screens, potentially even rivaling Amazon's Echo Show 15 and Microsoft's Surface Hub.
- The HomePod with a screen is an exciting prospect, offering the potential for improved Siri and AI capabilities, enhanced audio quality, and seamless smart home control.
