Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reiterated his belief that a new HomePod with a screen is on the way, but it won’t enter mass production until the third quarter of 2025.
What Is Apple Working On?
The rumored device is expected to serve as a smart home hub, featuring a square, iPad-like screen attached to a HomePod-style speaker base. It’s also said to be mountable on a wall, making it a versatile addition to Apple’s lineup. If Kuo’s timeline is correct, mass production will begin after Apple’s WWDC event in June 2025.
Why the Delay?
Kuo originally predicted the HomePod with a screen would enter production in early 2025, but unforeseen “software development issues” have caused setbacks. These issues reportedly include challenges with Apple Intelligence, which powers Siri’s functionality. Apple recently admitted that the more personalized Siri features previewed at WWDC 2024 will take longer than expected, with a rollout now planned “in the coming year.”
It seems likely that delays in Siri’s development have also impacted the timeline for this smart home hub. Additionally, Kuo cited the need to align the device’s interface with upcoming software updates like iOS 19. Speculation is swirling about a potential visionOS-like redesign that might extend to homeOS, the rumored operating system for the smart hub.
Key Features (So Far)
The smart home hub is rumored to include a 6-inch or 7-inch display and an A18 chip for high performance. Here’s what it might do:
- Control smart home accessories.
- Make FaceTime video calls.
- Act as an intercom between rooms.
- Double as a home security system with an Apple-designed camera.
It sounds like Apple is aiming to create a multi-functional device that seamlessly integrates into your home.
When Will It Launch?
Whether the smart home hub launches in late 2025 or slips into 2026 remains unclear. But with Apple reportedly aligning the device’s launch with major software updates, it looks like there’s still a lot of work to be done. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to refine its vision for this exciting new product.
