Last updated: March 10, 2023, 5:32 PM IST
HomePod with a display will boost the segment for Apple
Apple has launched two versions of the HomePod speaker and now it could be revamping its smart home lineup.
Apple plans to have an all-new HomePod speaker next year, and it will carry a 7-inch display like the Google Nest Hub and the Amazon Echo Show.
These details come from a Ming-Chi Kuo analyst with a track record of Apple launches. Kuo spoke about the rumored product in his Medium post this week, confirming Bloomberg’s previous reports.
The post mentions that Apple could be looking at this new HomePod device as part of its deeper integration into the smart home ecosystem and we’re not surprised by those plans. Google and Amazon have used their respective display-centric speakers as a hub to control smart home devices, view content, and get other essential updates.
We’ve been hearing about this version of the HomePod for a while, but Kuo talking about the product suggests we’re closer to the official bow. To launch the product in 2024, Apple will have already started the design phase or perhaps also on the production side.
Apple could most likely offer Apple Music and some other third-party music apps on the device, along with support for HomeKit and Matter compatible systems. Bloomberg’s Gurman has said Apple wants to add a display to the HomePod and also have a built-in camera that supports FaceTime calls, which isn’t surprising either.
The HomePod portion of the device provides a top quality audio experience in the living room. Apple could adapt the platform for this device, which will be the most important part for the ecosystem to evolve and succeed in the near future. Apple users are limited to having a smart speaker, so adding another product to the portfolio will appeal not only to the existing customers, but also to others interested in signing up for the platform.
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