All articles tagged with #homepod
tvOS 27 arriving this fall adds Hi-Res Lossless Audio (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) to Apple TV when connected to compatible external speakers and introduces AutoMix for seamless song transitions; however, older devices like the Apple TV HD and the first-gen Apple TV 4K won't be supported.
iOS 27 brings two HomePod improvements: AutoMix for Apple Music and faster AirPlay connections to Apple TV and HomePod, with rumors of new HomePod hardware and Siri AI launching in the fall.
iOS 27 and HomePod Software 27 bring AutoMix to HomePod with improved blending and new transition types, and beta notes confirm support for the original HomePod; the update is expected to ship broadly alongside iOS 27 in fall 2026.
9to5Mac previews five potential hardware reveals at WWDC 2026, including M5 Mac Studio and Mac mini, plus four Home products (Apple TV 4K, HomePod 3, HomePod mini 2, and a HomePad/HomePod Touch); however supply constraints and rumors suggest a software-focused event is more likely, with iOS 27 and Siri upgrades taking center stage.
Apple is rumored to unveil at least 15 new products later this year, including a foldable iPhone Ultra, iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, iOS 27 tailored for foldables, a redesigned MacBook Ultra with OLED, upgraded Macs (Mac Studio, Mac mini, iMac) with new M-series chips, a new HomePod/Apple TV/Home Hub lineup with enhanced Siri and Wi-Fi 7, AirPods Ultra, and updated iPad models; some releases may be delayed due to RAM chip shortages, with WWDC 2026 as a key milestone.
Apple is preparing to expand its smart home product line with new devices like a HomePod with a screen, security camera, and smart doorbell, offering a potentially higher-quality alternative to competitors like Samsung, which has recently started including ads in its smart refrigerator screens. The new Apple products are highly anticipated and could improve user experience in the smart home space.
Apple is developing a tabletop robot with a touchscreen, camera, and mobility features, aiming for a 2027 release, as part of its expanding smart home ambitions beyond existing HomePod devices.
Leaked details from iOS 26 beta suggest that Apple's upcoming touchscreen HomePod may be renamed 'HomePod Touch,' continuing the brand's homage to the iPod and indicating a device similar to a HomePod with a screen, expected to launch in spring 2026.
Apple discontinued its AirPort Wi-Fi routers in 2018, but recent developments suggest the company may re-enter the Wi-Fi router market by integrating advanced Wi-Fi and Bluetooth chips into upcoming Apple TV and HomePod mini devices, potentially supporting Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7, although it's unclear if these devices will function as routers. This indicates a possible future return to the router market, leveraging new wireless technology.
Apple is planning to expand into the smart home market with several new products, including an iPad-like device with a robotic arm and a lower-end model without it, expected to launch by 2025 or early 2026, after previous attempts with the HomePod didn't meet expectations.
Apple plans to refresh its home product lineup next year, including launching a new Apple TV and HomePod mini, potentially featuring WiFi 6E technology and custom-designed chips for improved connectivity. Additionally, Apple is rumored to introduce a HomePod/iPad hybrid with a display and a "Command Center" device for home control. These updates aim to enhance Apple's smart home ecosystem and reduce dependency on external chip suppliers.
Apple's upcoming third-generation HomePod is expected to feature a 6- to 7-inch OLED display, supplied by Chinese manufacturer Tianma, according to a report by SE Daily. This new model, anticipated for release in 2025, will emphasize smart home functionality, marking a strategic shift for Apple's product line. Rumors suggest Apple is developing several HomePod variants with displays, including one with an iPad-like screen and another with a robotic arm. Initial shipment forecasts are modest, with around 500,000 units expected in the second half of 2025.
Apple's anticipated smart display, often referred to as a "HomePod with a screen," may be released in the third quarter of 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The device is expected to feature a 6 or 7-inch screen and an A18 chip, similar to the iPhone 16, and could support Apple apps and intelligence. Apple plans to ship between 500,000 and a million units in the latter half of next year, marking a potential expansion into the smart home market.
Apple's anticipated HomePod with a display has been delayed until the third quarter of 2025 due to software development issues, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. Initially expected in early 2024, the launch has been postponed multiple times. The device is rumored to feature a 6-7 inch display and an A18 processor, positioning it as a smart home control center. Despite the delays, the development indicates Apple's continued focus on smart home technology.
Apple's new HomePod with a display is now expected to launch in late 2025, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The delay from an earlier 2024 prediction is due to software development challenges. The device will feature a 6-7 inch display, Apple's A18 processor, and enhanced smart home capabilities. Tianma Microelectronics and BYD Electronics are set to supply and assemble the device, respectively, with initial shipments projected at 500,000 units. Apple is also planning a smart home IP camera for 2026.