The HomePod is a high-quality sound device that has earned a great reputation among audio enthusiasts. A smart speaker, first launched in 2017, that offers an unparalleled audio experience thanks to its high-fidelity speaker system and computational audio technology.
In addition to its sound quality, the HomePod also offers smart features, such as Siri, that make it a versatile device for the home. Now, with news of a new version with a built-in display, the HomePod could be about to take another step closer to full integration into the smart home experience.
The screen comes to the HomePods
Just a few weeks ago Apple brought back the HomePod with the launch of the HomePod 2, a device that already marks an evolution. A device that, as Apple announced at the time, is based on the technology of the HomePod mini to offer us great audio quality. But this HomePod goes far beyond sound, as it integrates particularly well into the connected home. And it is precisely this integration that will go further, according to rumors.
Apple has been working on a new version of the HomePod that will feature a built-in 7-inch display, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This new model will be announced in early 2024 and is expected to have a very different design from the current model.
The 7-inch display, which will be supplied by Chinese company Tianma, will allow for “tighter integration with Apple’s other hardware products”, according to Kuo. This will mark a significant shift in the company’s smart home strategy.
A HomePod as a hybrid of more products.
In fact, it’s worth remembering that Mark Gurman has told us on several occasions how Apple has been exploring different product ideas to power its smart home ecosystem. One variant is an iPad-like device that can be mounted on walls to control HomeKit accessories, play videos or music, and make or receive calls, among others.
We have also heard rumors of the possibility of a device that combines the iPad, Apple TV and HomePod. A device with which we could interact quickly through its screen, with the sound quality of the HomePod and that we can connect to our TV. With this, we could, on the largest screen in the home, from making FaceTime calls to enjoying streaming services.
While we do not know exactly what device Kuo is referring to right now, the truth is that everything seems to point to the fact that we will go well beyond the traditional HomePod. More if we take into account that the arrival of the HomePod 2 is recent.
As with the arrival of the M3 chips, we will have to wait a bit longer for events to unfold, but this new version of the HomePod with built-in display promises to be an important step for Apple in the smart home arena. Thanks to the integration that the HomePod already offers us when it comes to interacting and also automating home automation, the basis for its evolution is solid.
If we add to this that, in many occasions, a small visual response complements in a very clear way a spoken feedback, we are talking about a very interesting device. For now, we are talking about rumors, certainly, but we have been hearing about them for a long time now. There’s already a saying that when the HomePod rings, novelties it carries. And like Apple Music Classical, which is now official, it sounds really good.
