The HomePod with a touchscreen is something Apple is reportedly working on, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Apple introduced its second-generation HomePod smart speaker in India earlier this year. This new model features a mesh exterior and a backlit touch surface on the top of its cylindrical body. There have been reports suggesting that Apple is currently in the process of developing new HomePod speakers that incorporate a touch display. In March, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicated that the tech giant, headquartered in California, is likely to release a revamped HomePod in the first half of 2024, potentially equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen. Recently, there has been a leak revealing a potential design for the HomePod with a touch display.
According to a post by a user named Kosutami (@KosutamiSan), Apple is in the midst of working on a HomePod frame shell that may include a glass top, intended for use as a touch display, complete with black bezels. The design of this device appears to bear similarities to the second-generation Apple HomePod, though the post doesn’t provide further specifics about the speaker. It’s worth noting that Apple launched the second-gen HomePod almost two years after discontinuing the first-generation model.
Previously, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo had also reported Apple’s efforts to create a HomePod with a touchscreen. The report stated that Apple might introduce a redesigned HomePod with a 7-inch touchscreen panel in the first half of 2024. Tianma, who is believed to be an exclusive partner of Apple for the speaker, supplies displays to other companies.
By releasing a HomePod featuring a touchscreen, Apple could potentially compete with Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show models. Up until now, Apple has been trailing behind its competitors in the smart speaker market.
Meanwhile, the second-generation HomePod smart speaker comes with Apple’s virtual assistant Siri and is powered by an S7 processor. It is available in India in White and Midnight color options and is priced at Rs. 32,900.
