It’s been a little over a year since Apple discontinued the original HomePod. I still have it and I’m delighted with it, even if it’s true that I’m starting to miss a second version. It might not be the closest thing to the original HomePod, but Gurman announced in his latest newsletter that Apple is working on a stand for iPad with HomePod included that will be released in 2023.
At first it seems strange. A sort of iPad stand with an included speaker. I’ve been thinking about it for a while and every time I see more sense. I understand this will essentially be an upgraded HomePod
High expectations. very high
“HomeDock” might be a good name for this device. Ideally, it would serve as an all-in-one assistant. Tell you the time and make a video call. Play music and a recipe to make while you’re in the kitchen. The truth is that it looks very promising. It might sound a bit like science fiction, but if the stand could spin around to, say, follow someone on a video call, that would be fantastic. A sort of “Pro” Center Stage.
Software integrations would also be interesting. That if you play a song on the iPhone and you are in the same place as the support, its speaker is activated directly
Something that Apple failed in my opinion with the HomePod and HomePod mini is to manufacture them time-testedWhat would the English say? Both smart speakers have chips that will eventually be outdated, and the fact that you can’t connect an audio jack to them is a shame. They are wonderful players, and not being able to use them for many years is not pleasant.
I hear that Apple should add an audio jack to this stand for those who want to keep it around for years to come, but something tells me that won’t be the case.. It doesn’t sound like something those in Cupertino would do, but hey, let’s hope Apple at least catches up with something groundbreaking. All I ask is compatibility with older iPads. I don’t want to have to switch from my 2018 iPad Pro to a new one because of this. It still works great, and being able to use it with this mount would be a hoot.
In principle, this stand will be ready in 2023. If Apple manages to offer it a reasonable price, have a feature that makes it unique and have an impressive sound, it will sell like hot cakes. We will be attentive in case there is news of this interesting new product.
