The “HomePad” — a HomePod with a display — might ship later than previously predicted, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
“Apple has been planning to introduce the home hub in March, but it may take longer to reach consumers,” he says. “The device’s new operating system — code-named Pebble — is heavily tied to App Intents features coming in iOS 18.4 and iOS 19, so it’s plausible that the hardware itself will ship a bit later.”
Here’s what a September report from 9to5Mac said about a HomePod with display:
° The device will be powered by an A18 processor.
° It has a squarish display rather than an iPad-ish rectangular design.
° It has a built-in camera that works for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps.
° The device uses the camera to identify hand gestures from a distance.
° The device can run apps and play media on its own, but it will also work as an AirPlay receiver.
And Apple has filed for a patent (number 20220042676) for an “electronic device with visual feedback” that hints at a HomePod with a built-in display.
Of course, as I’ve said before, I want a device that combines a HomePod with video with an Apple TV AND a router. I want such a combo that brings back the features of the late, lamented AirPort line-up that Apple abandoned in 2016.
This info from Gurman is from the free edition of “Power On”. If you like it, consider subscribing to Bloomberg.com—you’ll receive the newsletter earlier and get exclusive access to a Q&A section.
