The next generation Apple HomePod smart speaker is widely anticipated to feature a built-in curved LCD screen, a detail highlighted by tech observers who track hardware developments. A recent report from MacRumors cites an insider who operates on X (Twitter) under the handle Kosutami, suggesting that the information has multiple corroborating signals behind it.
The project is described with the codename B720, and a prototype reportedly reached Kosutami, who shared photographs that appear to show the HomePod’s familiar silhouette, now paired with a concave display perched on the top surface. The design choice points to a control and content display role, potentially replacing or augmenting some of the existing physical buttons and LED indicators with a more interactive screen experience.
In October, Kosutami allegedly posted images of components from a prototype associated with the touchscreen concept for the future HomePod. Additional independent sources echoed the insider’s claims, suggesting a growing consensus among multiple leakers that the device is moving toward a curved top screen. While leaked imagery can vary in reliability, the convergence of reports from several channels adds to the plausibility of the feature being explored by Apple.
Speculation within the tech press holds that Apple plans to tailor Apple Music and Apple Podcasts to the concave panel, potentially enabling interactive animations that respond to the colors and artwork of the music and podcast covers. The concept could extend to meaningful on-screen notifications, offering users quick glimpses of updates or alerts without switching away from playback or scene modes, according to the coverage from MacRumors and related outlets.
At the time of the last round of rumors, insiders suggested that Apple might unveil a new HomePod in the first half of 2024, aligning with patterns of product cadence seen in other Apple flagship devices. The timeline remains subject to change, but industry chatter often resurfaces around spring product cycles, and Apple typically uses this window to showcase software and hardware ambitions that leverage its broad ecosystem.
Meanwhile, observers have noted hours of discussion around how the HomePod’s refreshed appearance could harmonize with Apple’s broader smart home and media strategy. The reported curved screen would likely integrate with the existing audio features, room sensing, and voice control capabilities, while also introducing a more visually engaging user interface on the device itself. The approach would aim to balance familiarity with innovation, keeping the HomePod recognizable to current users while inviting new interactions that take advantage of a small, dedicated display on top.
All of these developments sit within the context of Apple’s ongoing push to fuse hardware and software experiences across its lineup. If the B720 concept proves accurate, it could exemplify a broader trend toward tactile, screen-based control surfaces on smart speakers. The potential benefits would include easier access to visual content, more nuanced status indicators, and a streamlined way to interact with music, podcasts, and home automation scenes without relying solely on voice commands.
In the broader market, the idea of a curved top screen for a smart speaker echoes a growing interest in devices that blend traditional audio roles with compact, screen-based interfaces. Consumers may welcome the ability to glance at visual cues—album art, podcast artwork, or notification banners—while the device remains a central hub in the living room or kitchen. Whether Apple expands on this concept with a high-resolution panel, adaptive brightness, or energy-efficient operation remains to be seen, but the rumor mill suggests the company is seriously exploring these possibilities as part of its ongoing product evolution.
As with all rumors of this nature, potential buyers should approach with measured expectations. Apple has a track record of prototyping features that do not always reach production or arrive in a form that mirrors early leaks. Nevertheless, the discussion around a curved display on the HomePod illustrates Apple’s willingness to rethink the device’s physical interface to enhance user engagement and ease of use while preserving the brand’s emphasis on privacy, sound quality, and seamless integration with Apple services. The tech community will be watching closely as more information surfaces through official channels and credible leaks alike, hoping for clear confirmation or a refined roadmap as Apple moves toward the next generation of its smart home ecosystem.