Apple’s HomePod With Display To Come In High-End And Low-End Variants Next Year Running ‘homeOS’ For Apple Intelligence Features

It was recently reported that Apple is working on a new hybrid device that combines HomePod and Apple TV features while housing a display that resembles the iPad. On the display front, it was coined that it would be a squash panel, unlike the iPad’s rectangular display. It is now being reported that the company’s new HomePod, which has a display running the homeOS, will launch next year and will be powered by the new Apple Intelligence features.

HomePod with display to feature Apple Intelligence features, as the device will be powered by the company’s A18 chip from the iPhone 16

Apple announced Apple Intelligence with iOS 18 back in June, and the company is now expected to release the update for iPhone 15 Pro models and the entire iPhone 16 lineup. The update has some hardware requirements, which include having at least 8GB of RAM and possibly a faster chipset, at least the A17 Pro chip. In his new Power On newsletter, Mark from Bloomberg claims that Apple will launch the HomePod with a display next year, and the company’s homeOS platform will power the device.

The report states that the company is working on two smart device models: a lower-end model with a build number of J490 and a higher-end model with a build number of J595. Only the higher-end model is expected to feature a robotic arm, while the standard version will feature a display, which will likely be attached to the body of the smart device. Since both models will run homeOS under the hood, the company is also planning to add Apple Intelligence features to the mix,

Apple is likely looking to add a dedicated software experience on the HomePod, and it will be the first time the company will add a display to its HomePod smart speaker. The device will act as a hub for all compatible devices that support HomeKit and Matter, allowing users to control each device through the smart speaker. Gurman reports that tvOS will be the base for homeOS and expects the two platforms to combine in the future.

We can expect homeOS to feature a layout similar to tvOS, but exact details are scarce at this stage and, the final word rests with Apple. The device was also rumored to feature a hefty price tag of $1,000. Since the forthcoming device will feature Apple Intelligence features, we can expect the HomePod with a display to feature internals on par with the iPhone 16 models, at the very least, to power the new AI feature on the device. Do take the news with a grain of salt, as the final word rests with Apple. Do you think Apple will overcharge users for its upcoming smart speaker with a display?