“Apple is poised to redefine smart home tech with its rumored HomePod Smart Display, expected in late 2025. Featuring a 6-7 inch touchscreen, homeOS, and Apple Intelligence, the device aims to rival Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. Delays in Siri upgrades have pushed the launch, but anticipation grows for its smart home control and FaceTime capabilities.”
Apple’s Next Big Leap: HomePod Smart Display in 2025
Apple is gearing up to enter the smart display market with a new HomePod featuring a 6-7 inch touchscreen, slated for a late 2025 release. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device, tentatively called the “HomePad,” will combine the audio prowess of the HomePod with iPad-like interactivity, running on a new homeOS platform. This marks Apple’s first major foray into the smart display space, aiming to compete with Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show.
The HomePod Smart Display is expected to feature a square 7-inch display, a camera for FaceTime calls, and support for Apple Intelligence, enhancing its AI-driven functionalities. It will serve as a central hub for smart home management, allowing users to control devices, access apps, and manage daily tasks. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo and other sources suggest a Q3 2025 launch, aligning with the iPhone 17 series release, though delays in Apple’s Siri overhaul have pushed the timeline from an earlier 2024 target.
The device is rumored to run on an A18 chip, similar to the iPhone 16 series, ensuring robust performance. Additional features include a rechargeable battery and built-in speakers, positioning it as a versatile smart home hub rather than just a speaker. A more advanced version with a robotic arm for dynamic video call tracking is also in development but isn’t expected until 2026 or later.
Apple’s push into the smart home market comes as competitors like Google and Amazon dominate with their display-equipped devices. The HomePod Smart Display’s integration with Apple’s ecosystem, including HomeKit and Apple Music, could give it an edge for users already invested in Apple products. However, the delay in Siri’s AI upgrades remains a hurdle, with Gurman noting that Apple is racing to catch up with rivals like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini.
Leaked reports also highlight a new Wi-Fi modem for improved connectivity and potential support for Wi-Fi 6E or 7, ensuring faster and more reliable performance. The device’s design, resembling a HomePod with an iPad-like screen, aims to blend seamlessly into modern homes, offering glanceable widgets and smart home controls.
Industry analysts are optimistic about the HomePod Smart Display’s potential to shake up the market, with Apple positioning it as a premium yet accessible option. While no official confirmation has come from Apple, the consistent leaks from trusted sources like Gurman and Kuo suggest a major product launch is on the horizon.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports, leaks, and tips from industry analysts and sources like Bloomberg, MacRumors, and 9to5Mac. Information is subject to change as Apple has not officially confirmed the product details or release date.