Apple HomePod With 7-Inch Display Likely to Launch in 2024: Ming-Chi Kuo

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) can also be used as an in-home intercom system

Written by Sucharita Ganguly, Edited by Richa Sharma | Updated: 11 March 2023 12:50 IST

Apple HomePod With 7-Inch Display Likely to Launch in 2024: Ming-Chi Kuo

Photo Credit: Apple

Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) is offered in White and a Midnight colour option

Highlights

Apple launched second-gen HomePod earlier this year
The smart speaker is powered by Apple's in-house S7 chipset
It also comes with built-in sensors and an EQ microphone

Apple's redesigned HomePod is likely to launch in the first half of 2024 coupled with a 7-inch touchscreen display, according to an analyst. The company launched the second-generation Apple HomePod earlier this year. Available with Siri, Apple's voice-based personal assistant, the smart speaker also features built-in sensors and an EQ microphone. The newest HomePod is powered by Apple's in-house S7 chipset. This latest smart speaker can also be used as an in-home intercom system. A newer version of the HomePod will likely have even more design and characteristics enhancements.

According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Tianma will be the exclusive panel supplier for Apple's redesigned HomePod, which will feature a 7-inch panel, and is likely to be launched in the first half of 2024. Tianma may start receiving display orders for Apple iPads in the coming years, according to Kuo. Tianma Microelectronics is an electronic technology company that supplies displays to other businesses, with production lines based in China.

Kuo added in his note that Tianma's Android smartphone panel manufacturing capacity is presently at its full, and its occupancy rate exceeds that of competitors. If this pattern continues until the second half of 2023, its revenue and profit this year may surpass market expectations.

Apple will be able to compete with Google's Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show models by releasing a speaker with a smart display. When it comes to smart home devices, Apple lags behind its competitors — its smart speaker, for example, debuted years after the Echo. The new display will enable more functionality from the smart home device as well as better integration within Apple's device ecosystem.

Apple's current HomePods come with small circular displays on top, but their capabilities is restricted. The Cupertino giant has previously been rumoured to be working on such a device. Bloomberg reported in April 2021 that Apple was "mulling" creating a "high-end speaker with a touch screen" that would "combine an iPad with a HomePod speaker and also include a camera for video chat."

The second-generation HomePod costs Rs. 32,900 in India and is offered in White and a new Midnight colour option.

The Xiaomi 13 Pro has a hefty price tag compared to the company's 2022 flagship model. How does it fare against other high-end phones launched in 2023? We discuss this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)

REVIEW
KEY SPECS

Design
Smart Features
Audio Quality
Value For Money

Good
Looks good
Much more capable than the size suggests
Flawless connectivity with Apple devices
Works well as a speaker for your TV
Flexible, powerful sound

Bad
Expensive
Limited IoT capabilities for now

Read detailed Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) review

Model HomePod (2nd Gen)

Color White, Midnight

Network connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 5

Google Nest Hub

REVIEW
KEY SPECS

Design
Smart Features
Audio Quality
Value For Money

Good
Google Assistant and connected services work well
Visual cues for some basic functions
Useful ambient light sensor

Bad
Smart displays offer limited functionality
A bit expensive for what's on offer
Sound quality isn't great

Read detailed Google Nest Hub review

Model Nest Hub

Color Chalk, Charcoal

Power Requirement 15W

Network connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Display included Yes

Amazon Echo Show

KEY SPECS

Model Echo Show

Color Black, White

Network connectivity Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

Display included Yes

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Further reading: Apple HomePod, Apple, Smart Speaker

Sucharita Ganguly Email Sucharita Ganguly

Sucharita is a writer with Gadgets 360 and is mostly found playing with her cat in her free time. She has previously worked at breaking news desks across organizations. Powered by coffee, The Beatles, Bowie, and her newfound love for BTS, she aims to work towards contributing to a better media environment for women and queer folk. More