Apple Could Launch HomePod With a Screen in 2024

Apple will be expanding its home audio offerings with a HomePod with a screen some time next year, according to a new report. Apple has not maintained a set schedule with the HomePod lineup. It almost looked like Apple had deserted the segment after poor sales of the first generation model. However, the company launched the HomePod Mini which was a runaway success, requiring a full-sized upgrade to keep up with the demand.

While it is not clear what a similarly specced second generation smart speaker will do for the segment's success, the next addition could be Apple's most radical move in this segment. Apple is reportedly developing a rival to Google and Amazon's smart displays.

Noted tipster Ming-Chi Kuo predicted Apple is working on a 'redesigned' HomePod with a 7-inch display. The device will be unveiled some time in the first half of 2024, according to the analyst.

The Hong Kong-based analyst claimed the new HomePod will mark a shift in the company's smart home strategy. The HomePod with screen will enable tighter integration with Apple's other hardware.

While it's not clear exactly how Apple will be doing that, the company does have a vast amount of market research already done by its rivals. Google has had the Nest Hub series for a while now, iterating the smart display with more software features, while Amazon's Echo Show lineup includes a large display with smart home and Alexa integrations.

Considering it will be a 7-inch model, the upcoming HomePod will likely compete with the Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen) and Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen) smart displays.

That said, if an older leak from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman turns out to be true, this could very well be a new iPad with a smart home dock, billed under the HomePod lineup. The journalist did hint at a similar H1 2024 timeline.

If that is the case, the price point which Apple will have to launch it in, could place it way above the budgets for Google and Amazon's offering. It remains to be seen how Apple differentiates through its hardware ecosystem integration.