Apple May Be Developing a HomePod with Touchscreen Powered by Apple Intelligence: Report

If launched, the purported HomePod with a touchscreen display may compete against devices such as Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub.

Written by Shaurya Tomer, Edited by Manas Mitul | Updated: 5 July 2024 12:15 IST

Apple May Be Developing a HomePod with Touchscreen Powered by Apple Intelligence: Report

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Daniel Canibano

Apple's rumoured HomePod may get a 7-inch LCD screen with support for notifications and media controls

Highlights

Apple is reported to be developing a new home accessory device
The device is speculated to be a HomePod with an LCD screen
It may be powered by A18 SoC and get Apple Intelligence features

Apple is said to be developing a new product – a home accessory that will run on a software variant of tvOS, according to a report. It is said to be a touchscreen version of the HomePod with displays and cameras, one which has long been rumoured to be in development. The device is speculated to be powered by Apple Intelligence – the iPhone maker's suite of artificial intelligence (AI) services that it introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024 on June 10.

New HomePod

In a report, MacRumors revealed that it had discovered a code in Apple's backend that references a new identifier category “HomeAccessory17,1”, which is speculated to be a HomePod with a touchscreen display. This suggests that the device may be powered by the A18 chip – the same SoC which is also rumoured to power the entire upcoming iPhone 16 lineup.

Courtesy of this chipset, the device may get Apple Intelligence features. As per the report, this “home accessory” is speculated to run on a variant of tvOS, the operating system of Apple TV. The new OS may be named homeOS, the reference of which was previously said to be discovered in a tvOS 17.4 beta which was released in January.

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In April, a tipster with the username Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) leaked an image of the display cover of the rumoured upcoming HomePod, suggesting that the device may have a touchscreen LCD screen surrounded by the speaker. It is speculated to display information – such as media playback controls and incoming notifications.

This development builds upon the prediction by TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who suggested that the Cupertino-based tech giant may launch a HomePod with a 7-inch touchscreen display in 2024. It was theorised to compete against devices such as Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub. At the time, Kuo said that Tianma would be the sole supplier of the purported HomePod. While it was speculated to come out in H1 2024, Apple has not released any similar device so far.

However, there are two Apple events still planned for the year, and the rumoured touchscreen HomePod may yet still launch this year.

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Google Nest Hub

REVIEW
KEY SPECS

Design
Smart Features
Audio Quality
Value For Money

Good
Google Assistant and connected services work well
Visual cues for some basic functions
Useful ambient light sensor

Bad
Smart displays offer limited functionality
A bit expensive for what's on offer
Sound quality isn't great

Read detailed Google Nest Hub review

Model Nest Hub

Color Chalk, Charcoal

Power Requirement 15W

Network connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Display included Yes

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

REVIEW
KEY SPECS

Design
Smart Features
Audio Quality
Value For Money

Good
Looks good
Much more capable than the size suggests
Flawless connectivity with Apple devices
Works well as a speaker for your TV
Flexible, powerful sound

Bad
Expensive
Limited IoT capabilities for now

Read detailed Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) review

Model HomePod (2nd Gen)

Color White, Midnight

Network connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5

Amazon Echo Show

KEY SPECS

Model Echo Show

Color Black, White

Network connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Display included Yes

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Further reading: Apple HomePod, HomePod, Apple intelligence

Shaurya Tomer

Email Shaurya Tomer

Shaurya Tomer is a Sub Editor at Gadgets 360 with 2 years of experience across a diverse spectrum of topics. With a particular focus on smartphones, gadgets and the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), he often likes to explore the industry's intricacies and innovations – whether dissecting the latest smartphone release or exploring the ethical implications of AI advancements. In his free time, he often embarks on impromptu road trips to unwind, recharge, and ...More