Following the surprise launch of the 2nd generation HomePod in January with a design similar to the original model, a new rumor predicts that Apple’s next smart speaker will be a bit more exciting. According to Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to launch its first HomePod with display in the first half of next year.
Briefly discussing Apple’s smart home plans on Medium, Kuo writes that the company will “unveil a redesigned HomePod w ith a 7-inch panel in 1:24” and that this device “could enable tighter integration with Apple’s other hardware products. Apple”.
Lack of visual information about track, artist, album, etc. is a long-standing complaint about the HomePod, especially when playing music via voice commands rather than an iPhone. A screen would also make the HomePod much better at offering “smart” features, as the current model often has to direct the user to search results on a paired device. It’s a logical decision for the product, although it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen.
Still, while Kuo isn’t always right, he has a decent track record, including a series of accurate third-generation iPhone SE predictions made the year before its launch. It’s worth pointing out that his work focuses on supply chain manufacturers rather than consumers: his latest report focuses more on the company that will supply the display panels for the new HomePod than on the customers who will buy it. But his predictions are widely read and respected and are mostly accurate.
And the idea that Apple is working on a HomePod with a screen isn’t a new or outlandish opinion. Mark Gurman predicted a HomePod with a screen in 2021, and some were surprised when this year’s second-generation HomePod closely followed its predecessor’s design rather than incorporating a full screen. Indeed, the idea comes up so often that igamesnews has an article on the HomePod with screen where you can follow the rumors as they come.
