The ‘HomePod with a screen’ smart speaker has long been rumored – we first wrote about it in March 2024. However, it is not only now nailed-on to be happening at a now-announced Apple Event tomorrow but it will be joined by a new HomePod Mini and new Apple TV 4K which may be called the Apple TV Pro.
After leaks at the weekend courtesy of Bloomberg, it appears the smart display will actually be called Apple HomeView and may mean that the previous HomePod smart speaker is discontinued. The device was previously rumored to be called the HomePad and – like the other Apple Home products has reportedly been ready for some time, awaiting the new AI-infused version of Siri to launch which it now has (at least in beta).
There are some suggestions that Apple may offer two versions of the Apple A18-powered HomeView – one with a metal base designed for a countertop (ce grey, silver, starlight and pink are the suggested colors) and one that is wall-mountable.
Previous rumors suggested that the display could snap to a wall-mounted base using a MagSafe-style technology. It’s also suggested that Siri will be the primary mode of interaction with the device rather than the touchscreen.
Rumors have also suggested that the HomeView will have better audio performance than the Apple HomePod mini, but as it is surely larger, this isn’t a surprise. It may have Face ID, too.
For a while now, beta versions of Apple’s iOS software for the iPhone have referenced ‘homeOS’ – the latest being iOS 17.4. Obviously this suggests a new version of software for Apple’s home devices. However – according to rumors – this software won’t have an App Store which at present seems like a strange choice.
It seems like odd-timing to launch such a device – at a time when interest in Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show range seems low – and these products have been out in various forms since the end of the last decade.
However, Apple seems sure it wants to try and shape the future of the smart home – and it has also apparently been working with LG on a suite of semi-official Apple Home devices like a doorbell and a camera.
The LG devices also suggested to appear as a pop-up within the iPhone’s Dynamic Island when the user is in close proximity for easier setup and control.
HomePod mini 2 and the new Apple TV are reportedly due to reach stores on October 30, while HomeView should follow around the middle of November.
We’ll have full coverage of the event on Tuesday – here’s everything we expect from the Welcome Home showcase in the meantime.
