The long-rumored HomePod with a display may finally be coming to market. According to MacRumors, “code discovered in Apple’s backend” reveals a new device identified as “HomeAccessory17,1.” The name sounds similar to “AudioAccessory,” which Apple uses for its HomePod. MacRumors also found references to a tvOS variant for the device, similar to the one that runs the current HomePod.
The “17.1” part of the name could refer to the A18 chip that could be at the heart of this device. The A18 chip is expected to debut alongside the iPhone 16 this fall, which could mean this Home 17.1 accessory could be released at the same time. However, the same leak also revealed several new iPads in the works as well as some apparently discontinued models, so it’s unclear whether the HomePod is imminent.
Rumors of a HomePod with a display have been circulating for some time now. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported in 2021 that Apple was working on such a product, but the company wasn’t sure it would ship. At WWDC24 last month, the HomePod was left off the list of products that could run Apple Intelligence, but that could change if the device gets an A18 chip, which can run AI functions.
MacRumors also reported that the code under review also contained references to “AppleTV14.4” and “AppleTV14.5,” which could indicate that new versions of the Apple TV hardware are in development. The current Apple TV 4K is set to be released in 2022.
For more on the possible HomePod with a display, check out our roundup of all the latest rumors.
