Apple is reportedly set to launch a new version of the HomePod in 2025, featuring a 7-inch LCD display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support.
According to DigiTimes, Apple has partnered with China-based Tianma to supply the LCD panels for the device at a competitive price, which could help keep the overall cost of the device more affordable.
The new HomePod is expected to have smart home capabilities, and earlier reports from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested that it would enter mass production in the second half of 2025.
The device could serve as a smart home hub, integrating features like HomeKit, Siri, and Apple Intelligence, making it a central point for managing smart devices in the home.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also reported that Apple’s smart home hub will feature a customizable widget-focused home screen, and it could double as a home security system by displaying camera footage.
The hub is said to include a built-in camera for FaceTime video calls, and it may be attached to a tabletop base or mounted on the wall.
While the new device could compete with similar products like Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show, which are priced between $150 and $400, it is still unclear whether Apple will use the HomePod name for this new product or introduce a completely new branding.
Additionally, while the launch of a new HomePod mini is expected next year, it is uncertain if the current HomePod speaker will be updated.
This new device could mark a significant shift in Apple’s smart home strategy, bringing together home automation, entertainment, and communication in one integrated product.
