Apple’s new HomePod will have a display, and it might arrive later this year.
This is according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman (via 9to5Mac), who claims that the device will launch “by the end of this year,” though he admits that the timing is uncertain.
The new device will be a smart home speaker with an added display (a 7-inch one, previous rumors claim), that should one day become a centerpiece of Apple’s smart home tech. Other features, per previous reports, includes support for Apple Intelligence, a camera, smart home controls, and a rechargeable battery. While the device will have a built-in speaker, Apple will likely position it as a smart hub instead of just a home speaker.
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This new gadget was originally slated to launch in 2024, but numerous delays pushed the launch further into the future.
According to Gurman, the main culprit behind the delays has been Apple’s smart assistant Siri. Once a pioneer in the space, Apple has been struggling to bring its AI assistant close to the levels offered by competitors, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and Google’s Gemini.
When the HomePod-with-a-display finally launches, it could be the first of several AI-centric devices Apple plans to produce further down the line. This includes a more futuristic version with a robotic arm; Gurman now claims we can expect it “a year or two” after the first one hits the market.