Apple is continuing to develop a new HomePod smart speaker that includes a built‑in display, though a launch isn’t expected before 2025. This update comes from The MacRumors coverage, which references insider information and Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman.
According to Gurman in the Power On newsletter, Apple has already begun prototyping a HomePod with an iPad‑like screen, engaging suppliers overseas, but the project remains far from completion. People familiar with the matter say the company has not progressed enough to place the device on an imminent release schedule.
Gurman also noted that Apple is exploring a product concept that combines Apple TV, the HomePod, and the FaceTime camera into a single system. In addition, the company is reportedly considering a magnetically attachable smart screen that could be mounted on a wall much like an iPad, broadening the potential use cases for a wall‑hung smart display.
While Apple is actively testing several ideas, a confirmed timeline for bringing these devices to market has not been announced. Gurman characterizes Apple as cautious about introducing new smart home products for an extended period, prioritizing product refinement and internal readiness over rapid rollout.
Earlier discussions suggested Apple could pair the iPhone experience with the Vision Pro approach, aiming for a more immersive or integrated wearable and ambient display strategy. The current stance reflects a measured approach to smart home hardware, with careful consideration of hardware ambitions alongside software maturity, ecosystem integration, and consumer demand.
In summary, Apple appears to be building a multi‑faceted strategy for future smart home hardware, balancing sophisticated display concepts with the broader software ecosystem and user expectations. The company’s path emphasizes gradual progress, ongoing testing, and the refinement of ideas before any definitive product introduction.