Apple could launch a HomePod with a display and call it ‘HomePad’

It seems to be a transformative year for Apple’s smart home space, as the brand is said to be gearing up to unveil a ‘reimagined’ HomePod later this year. 

According to a Bloomberg report, the new device is likely to sport a 7-inch display and will support Apple Intelligence. It further states how the smart home device will double up as a command centre for everything Siri and HomeKit related. 

What is Apple's 'HomePad' and how will it be different?

To begin with, Apple’s redesigned HomePod will come with a camera at the top. The device may get a 7-inch display, as stated above, but will have thick bezels to accompany it. Like most devices today, it will feature a built-in rechargeable battery. However, the report mentions that it will run on a new operating system – homeOS – and will focus heavily on video-first applications (such as FaceTime).

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But apart from this, it is likely to support several other Apple apps and will make it significantly simpler to control your smart home systems. Lastly, the report highlights that it will come heavily powered by Apple’s take on AI – Apple Intelligence. It goes on to state that the primary reason for its delay was due to the brand’s delay on the AI front.

It seems to be heavily relying on Siri backed with App Intents, which was supposed to come to culmination by iOS 18.4. However, since this didn’t happen, the alleged ‘HomePad’ faced unforeseen delays. So far, the delays seem to be constant, as Apple only recently announced that Siri with Apple Intelligence features will roll out ‘in the coming year’.

Will the Apple 'HomePad' see the light of day?

So far, it seems as though the product may not make it to the markets until early 2026. While the company seems to be trying to pull through by the end of this year, there’s no saying as to when the device will finally see the light of day.

That said, this also isn’t the only product that seems to be in the pipeline for Apple. The company is also rumoured to be working on an ‘advanced’ smart home display device with a robotic arm and a ‘unique’ AI personality. Naturally, this product too, does not have a definitive timeline and Bloomberg mentions that it could be another year or two before we see it take shape.

Despite this, the report mentions how this product is currently a ‘major priority’ at Apple. Excited to see what’s up and coming by the brand? You can always stay updated by subscribing to Unboxed by Croma.