A conceptualization of what the lower-end revamped HomePod might be like.
Apple may ship the long-rumored HomePod with display in two versions in 2025, and at the same time rebrand tvOS for a wider focus on home automation and similar products.
A forthcoming version of the HomePod with a built-in display could be coming as early as 2025 and may come in two versions. A report on Sunday refreshes claims that Apple’s Home Hub product will be a blend of a HomePod and a smart display.
Sunday’s report also claims that Apple will rebrand its existing tvOS — the OS used in current HomePods — to homeOS. This could happen when the higher-end HomePod, which features with a larger display and the robotic arm, debuts.
Both versions of the future HomePod are likely to run at least the A18 chip to support Apple Intelligence, and a camera for FaceTime use. Some Apple patents have suggested that the revamped HomePods might not resemble the present form factor of existing HomePods.
HomePod as smart-home controller
The two devices will support hand gestures already common in apps such as FaceTime and Zoom. The lower-end new HomePod has a codename of J490, while the higher-end model goes by the codename J595.
The higher-end version of the HomePod with a robotic arm is expected to cost over $1,000. It will likely be used in homes and offices where video conferencing is common, allowing participants to move around during a meeting.
The lower-end new HomePod model is said to support a limited selection of apps, including the Home app for controlling smart devices. It will also include Calendar — which recently integrated Reminders functionality — Notes, and FaceTime, and support a limited range of third-party apps.
Of course, the revamped HomePods will continue to support high-quality audio as they do now. Apple’s current HomePod team are said to be collaborating closely with the Apple Intelligence unit to include the updated Siri and other features to the new products.