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Apple’s reported ‘HomePad’ may launch as early as October
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a long-rumoured "HomePod with a screen" smart home hub, possibly as soon as October, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device, unofficially dubbed "HomePad", would put Apple in direct competition with existing smart displays such as the Google Nest Hub Mini and Amazon's Echo Show, an area where Apple has so far relied largely on third-party accessories rather than its own hardware.
The hub is said to feature a 7-inch square display running a new operating system based on tvOS, with an icon-and-widget layout similar to iOS and watchOS, and will reportedly be built around Apple's revamped Siri AI. It is expected to support video calling, security monitoring and intercom communication with other Apple Home devices, and to personalise its interface automatically depending on who is using it. The launch was reportedly originally planned for spring 2025 but was delayed alongside Apple's AI-enhanced Siri, and is now expected to coincide with iOS 27; Gurman says Apple is also readying a high-end security camera, a new Apple TV and a new HomePod mini, with an announcement expected between October and early next year, though further delays remain possible.
In short
- Apple may launch a "HomePod with a screen" smart hub around October
- Report says it will run new Siri AI and a tvOS-based interface
- New security camera, Apple TV and HomePod mini also reportedly planned
Explained simply
Smart displays with screens have become popular products from Google and Amazon, serving as hubs for controlling homes, making video calls and retrieving information. Apple has not previously made its own device in this category, instead relying on third-party options, but is now reportedly developing one called the "HomePad".
The HomePad would be a 7-inch square screen running a new version of Apple's tvOS, designed to support video calling, home security monitoring and communication between other Apple home devices. Its interface would automatically adjust depending on who is using it and would rely on an enhanced version of Siri, Apple's voice assistant.
The HomePad represents Apple's push to become a significant player in the smart home market. Whilst the company has made other home products including speakers and streaming devices, entering the competitive smart display category would mark a notable shift in its strategy.