Apple Targeting Smart Home Market with Display-Enabled HomePod

Apple is doubling down on its smart home ambitions with plans to release a HomePod equipped with a built-in display, according to Ming-Chi Kuo’s latest post on Medium.

The veteran TF Securities analyst claim that this advanced HomePod, originally slated for a 2024 launch, has faced delays and is now expected to arrive in late 2025, likely after Apple’s WWDC conference.

Featuring a 6-7 inch display and powered by the cutting-edge A18 chip, the device will emphasize enhanced smart home capabilities, integrating seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. This shift positions the HomePod as a central hub for home automation, blending audio capabilities with visual interactions. It also signifies Apple’s attempt to rival established competitors like Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show.

Kuo suggests the device will integrate “Apple Intelligence,” the company’s new AI-powered platform designed to enhance interactivity. This may include features like adaptive display content, voice recognition, and advanced home automation controls.

The new HomePod is also rumored to serve as a hub for future Apple smart home devices, such as a planned home security camera slated for 2026. This camera is expected to wirelessly connect with the HomePod and provide a seamless, integrated experience for users.

Beyond hardware, Apple is also exploring advanced authentication technologies for the smart home. Recently published patents suggest Apple is working on biometric solutions for identity verification within home environments, similar to the role Face ID plays on mobile devices.

Initial shipments of the display-equipped HomePod are expected to reach 500,000 units in the second half of 2025. If well-received, annual sales could exceed one million units, according to Kuo.