Rumored HomePod with screen gets an indirect nod in iOS 26
A new bit of text unearthed in the fourth beta of iOS 26 might hint that Apple's long-rumored HomePod with a display could be gearing up for its debut.
An artist's rendition of a HomePod with a display
We've been hearing that Apple's had a HomePod with a screen in the works for quite some time now, though nothing has materialized as of yet. However, we may have just gotten another clue about the yet-unannounced device.
A bit of text within a location-related setting, spotted by MacRumors, seems a bit suggestive.
"Your HomePod won't be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area."
The word "show" certainly seems to imply that there would be some on-screen text. Seeing as the current HomePod and HomePod mini lack screens, the use of "show" feels somewhat out of place.
While the device has been rumored since 2021, no such device has appeared -- yet. Allegedly, it's faced many delays, with the most recent being in December 2024.
Currently, the reasons for delay are rumored to be on the software development side. Analysts and leakers alike agree that the device will come with Apple Intelligence.
Unfortunately, Apple has faced an uphill battle with its Apple Intelligence rollout. If this were the reason for the device's delay, odds are, it will still be a bit longer before it makes its public debut.
While this is more leak than rumor, we're rating this a possible because the discovered text could be referring to showing data on the user's iPhone or other device via a passed notification. So, it isn't a guarantee it's referring to a HomePod with a display.
Rumor Score: Possible
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
.... or... we could just use and iPad mini and a HomePod mini...
Seriously, this product makes no sense for me, because Siri/apple intelligence is simply not viable to attract additional use cases that an IOS device with a touch screen display that is permanently plugged into the wall and isn't portable but still relies on voice input would justify. What's it gonna do, show me the timer countdown on screen and my calendar as a screensaver?
If there was an escrow betting service, I'd bet money this never ships.
Perhaps the found sentence that is the subject of the above article means that the screens will also be called "HomePods." It's unlikely they will replace existing HomePods and HomePod minis for listening to music. The point of these HomePod screens would be to add a home-based visual/touchscreen device to control home devices (e.g., light switches, thermostats, scenes, etc.) and Siri interactions, without relying on the user to keep an iPhone or iPad with them at all times. The home device ecosystem becomes most viable when forgetting your iPhone downstairs doesn't prevent you from accessing your HomeKit devices. These screens would be minimalist hardware and entirely dependent on the Home Hub for computing power. They would not replace iPads for general utility and would not work outside the home.