Apple might be making ready to launch a redesigned HomePod within the first half of 2024 geared up with a 7-inch touchscreen, in accordance with a brand new prediction from noted analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
In response to Kuo the machine “might allow tighter integration with Apple’s different {hardware} merchandise” which might mark “a major shift within the firm’s sensible dwelling technique.” It sounds so much prefer it might be designed to behave as a sensible dwelling controller, just like what Google provides with its Nest Hub smart displays, or Amazon with its Echo Shows. Apple’s current HomePods have small round shows on high, however their performance is proscribed they usually’re successfully only a fancy standing indicator.
“A major shift within the firm’s sensible dwelling technique”
Apple has been rumored to be engaged on such a tool earlier than. Again in April 2021, Bloomberg reported that Apple was “mulling” producing a “high-end speaker with a contact display screen” that might “mix an iPad with a HomePod speaker and likewise embody a digicam for video chat.” It will supposedly be designed to compete with units from Amazon and Google. Information of this potential machine got here alongside a second that might mix components of an Apple TV set-top field and HomePod speaker, although Bloomberg cautioned that improvement of each units had been of their early levels.
Then, in January this yr, Bloomberg reported that the corporate was engaged on an iPad-style machine designed for use as a sensible dwelling controller and FaceTime calling machine with magnetic fasteners to permit it to be mounted on a wall, for instance. Nevertheless, Bloomberg didn’t point out whether or not this machine would use Apple’s HomePod branding.
Studies and predictions like these may very properly point out plans which are in early levels of improvement and topic to alter. However there’s clearly demand for such a hub if Amazon and Google’s competing sensible show lineups are something to go by. To not point out the quantity of people that already retrofit iPads to serve as permanent smart home controllers.
Apple didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
