Apple reportedly plans to launch a new “HomePod” in 2025 with a 7-inch LCD display, A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support. DigiTimes.
Google’s Nest HubIt’s unclear how much a HomePod with a screen will cost, but Apple appears to be aiming for a reasonable price. In a paid report this week, the supply chain publication said Apple had selected China-based manufacturer Tianma to supply LCD panels for the device at a “very competitive” price of $10 per panel. The low cost of these components likely contributes to making the device more affordable.
There have been several rumors about a HomePod with a screen over the past few years. For example, earlier this month, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo similarly said that HomePod, with a 6- to 7-inch display, A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support, will enter mass production in the second half of 2025. Kuo said. Smart home features are a core aspect of the device, so it sounds like rumors of a screen-equipped HomePod and Apple’s smart home hub are referring to the same product coming next year.
bloombergLast month, Mark Gurman said Apple’s smart home hub looks roughly like a “square iPad” with a 6-inch screen. He said the hub can be attached to a tabletop base with speakers or mounted on a wall. He added that it will run a new “homeOS” operating system with a customizable, widget-centric home screen and revolve around Siri, Apple Intelligence, and HomeKit. The hub can be used as a home security system by displaying camera footage, and is said to have a built-in camera that allows FaceTime video calls.
Apple’s hub will compete with products like Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show, which are priced between $150 and $300. Kuo and Gurman said Apple is also planning wireless security cameras that will work with the hub.
It’s unclear whether Apple will actually use the HomePod branding for the Home Hub, or if it will opt for an entirely new name. It’s also unclear whether the current HomePod speakers will be updated next year, but a new HomePod mini is expected to be released next year.
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