Apple’s New HomePad Might Launch This Year

Photo Credit: Apple

Apple’s new HomePad might launch by the end of this year. Though rumors suggest it may have fewer features than originally planned.

Apple has been planning a smart home command center product for a long time, with a 7-inch display and support for Apple Intelligence. The product was originally meant to launch this spring, but continued issues—like the company’s failed AI push—have forced that timeline back. But now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the so-called “HomePad” may finally launch by the end of the year.

Since the product relies heavily on (AI-powered) Siri and App Intents, both of which were supposed to come out with iOS 18.4, a spring launch wasn’t attainable. Many technical challenges have forced iOS 18.4 to launch with significantly fewer features than Apple initially envisioned. Some of these features have since been expected to release by year’s end, or by the first half of 2026.

Originally, that just meant Apple had pushed back the product’s timeline. But now it sounds as if, thanks to the company’s OpenAI deal, Apple has been facing mounting pressure to find the “next big thing.” In order to do that, the company needs to push its more robust AI-laden devices out quickly. The pressure is on after OpenAI acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive’s start-up focused on building AI-first devices.

Unfortunately, in order to push the smart home hub out faster, the device will be lacking some of its “bolder features.” Some of these may reappear in subsequent models, according to Gurman. Previously, Gurman said the device would be “Apple’s most significant release” of 2025—and it’s difficult to tell if that will still be the case.

According to rumors, Apple’s HomePad is expected to be similar to a HomePod with a screen, with features including a 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support. Those who have seen the device, including Gurman, say it can be attached to a tabletop base with a speaker, or mounted on a wall.

Apple is also facing tariff pressure, as President Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on iPhones if the company manufactures them in India, rather than the US. Meanwhile, Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said back in March that the device would enter mass production at some point after WWDC 2025, which kicks off June 9. It’s unknown if tariffs might impact that timeline.

However, the timing makes sense, as Gurman also reports that Apple’s new UI overhaul, codenamed “Solarium,” will be unveiled at WWDC. The UI overhaul will also be applied to all of Apple’s operating systems—not just iOS or macOS. That includes tvOS and watchOS “to ensure consistency.”

Notably, while Apple is working to catch up its AI components to those of the rest of the sector, the company’s approach to change—and its WWDC presentation—will focus primarily on design and appearance, rather than AI. That’s a drastic difference from its competitors, like Google and Samsung, who are all-in on the latest AI trends and aim to make that a selling point in presentations and advertising.

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