The HomePod with a built-in 6- to 7-inch display that’s been the subject of previous rumors will launch after Apple’s developer conference in June, according to a report on Wednesday from a reliable source.
It will supposedly be part of Apple’s drive to offer more smart home products.
HomePod with larger display goes in a different direction
Apple hasn’t ignored home automation. Its Home app and the HomeKit platform let users control their lights, thermostats and other compatible accessories. The smart home system can be controlled by an iPhone, Mac, HomePod, etc.
But multiple sources say home automation will get fresh attention from Apple in 2025. That includes the release of a new device intended specifically to be hub for a smart home. Information leaking out of Cupertino generally describe it as a HomePod smart speaker except with a larger screen and a new emphasis.
“Compared to the current HomePod lineup, the display-equipped HomePod will emphasize smart home functionalities more,” said Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with TF International Securities on Wednesday. “It can be seen as Apple’s strategic repositioning of the HomePod product line.”
Kuo further described the upcoming device with, “The display-equipped HomePod is expected to feature an A18 processor, a 6–7 inch display, and support for the Apple Intelligence.”
The launch reportedly has moved back several times as Apple developers continue to work on its software, and is now about half a year away. “The mass production schedule for the display-equipped HomePod has been delayed multiple times. Initially forecasted for 2024, it was postponed to 1Q25, and more recently, further delayed to after WWDC 2025/3Q25,” said Kuo.
The analyst also repeated his prediction that Apple is prepping a smart home IP camera. This will “tightly integrate” with the HomePod with a camera, it isn’t expected until 2026.
More Apple smart home rumors
It’s not clear whether the device that Kuo describes as a HomePod with a display is the same as the one Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman describes as an iPad intended to hang on the wall, but it’s possible: both are supposedly intended to act as hubs for Apple’s HomeKit system.
That said, it’s not impossible Apple is prepping a HomeKit hub to sit on a table with built-in speakers as well as a simpler one designed to be wall mounted.
