In the Q&A section of his latest Power On newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has claimed that Apple is working on a new version of HomePod, which will function both as a smart speaker and Apple TV, and also sport a FaceTime camera (via MacRumors).
Gurman made this claim for the first time last year, noting that the device will include standard Apple TV functions such as watching video and gaming, plus smart speaker features uses such as playing music and using Apple’s Siri voice assistant.
Now once again, he has said that a new HomePod product is coming that will likely be “at the center of Apple’s approach” to the home.
Q: Do you think a new HomePod or home device is still coming?
A: I absolutely do think a new HomePod is coming — specifically, a device that combines a HomePod, Apple TV, and FaceTime camera. I don’t think a big stand-alone HomePod is still in development, but perhaps a new HomePod mini is coming. In any case, the combination product will probably be at the center of Apple’s approach, with HomePod minis surrounding that throughout the home.
Apple discontinued its original high-end HomePod in March 2021, with the smaller HomePod mini currently the only smart speaker being offered by the company.
