New HomePod coming soon – with display?
It can almost be described as an open secret that Apple is working on a new HomePod series. This is said to be a new concept, because while the speakers previously relied on Siri control including some status displays on the device, Apple would apparently like to integrate a complete display. There have been repeated hints of such plans for around four years, and a few months ago a prototype with an LCD surface on the top even appeared. Other reports suggested that Apple might be based on the Amazon Echo and its full-fledged display. A new operating system called “HomeOS” also recently appeared, tvOS 17.4 Beta speaks volumes in this regard.
There are clear indications in the system
Once again it is now tvOS 17.4 that is fueling rumors of an impending announcement. The previously unknown device with the abbreviation “Z314” is there for the first time. deposited. Since Apple TV and HomePod share a system, namely tvOS, the discovery indicates hardware from one of the two product lines. The device in question features the A15 chip from the iPad mini 6 and is in advanced development status. Apple also implemented a system tool that is used to analyze frozen surfaces. If it were not hardware with an integrated, full-fledged display, this step would be unnecessary and the existing tools would be sufficient.
Idea within the next few months?
So there are some indications that we will see at least one important HomePod announcement this year. This could either be the HomePod mentioned above with an LCD surface – or a completely new series that has a 7″ or 8″ display on the side. In any case, Apple is actively working on new generations, otherwise the company would not leave clear indications in several places in the system. Possible presentation dates are March (together with the next system updates), in June for WWDC (the HomePod was also an issue in 2023) and autumn together with the next iPhone generation.