Apple’s Long Rumored HomePod with Display and homeOS May Arrive in 2025

Sep. 30, 2024

For quite a long time now, there have been rumors that Apple is gearing up to launch its first-ever smart home display that would be a direct rival to the Echo Show, Google Nest, and Meta Portal. Now, the latest report suggests that Apple might launch not just one, but two smart home devices next year, powered by abrand-new operating system called ‘homeOS’.

In thelatest Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman sheds some light on Apple’s upcoming smart home devices. The report refreshes the claims that Apple’s Home Hub device will be a blend of two devices- a HomePod and a smart display. Gurman mentioned that Apple will launch two smart display products.A lower-end smart display(codename J490) for FaceTime and controlling home appliances, anda higher-end device(codename J595) with a robotic arm and a larger iPad-like display.

Both the smart displays will haveApple Intelligence at the core, helping Apple to introduce itsAI suite of featuresto the home. Beyond AI, both smart home products will run on the new ‘homeOS’. However, Gurman believes homeOS would be based on the existing tvOS, and Apple may ultimately combine the two platforms for every home device in its lineup.

The lower-end smart display is expected to arrive as early as next year. While there’s no detailed information available, the entry-level HomePod is likely to include an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, a squared display, a FaceTime camera, and recognition for various hand gestures. It will also have a limited selection of app like run apps like Calendar, Notes, FaceTime, and Home for controlling the smart home appliances. Besides, there would be some third-party apps as well.

On the other hand, the higher version of the HomePod with a robotic limb is likely to cost $1000 or more. It’s anticipated that the higher-end model would serve as a video conferencing machine, allowing the members to move around during the meeting. Again, AI will be the heart of Apple’s upcoming smart displays. Previously, we’ve also heard thatApple has tasked Foxconnto develop the casings, arms, and other key mechanical components for its tabletop robot.

As of now, none of the Apple TV and HomePod models have the necessary hardware to support AI processing. According to Gurman, Apple’s current home device hardware engineering team is working closely with the Apple Intelligence team to integrate the new Siri and other AI features into the new products.