Is Apple HomePod poised for a major design overhaul? New prototype reveals touchscreen LCD display features

Rumours have been swirling about Apple potentially developing a HomePod with a touchscreen LCD display, and recent leaks from Apple product collector Kosutami have added fuel to the fire. The leaked image showcases a screen component of an unreleased HomePod featuring a large curved glass covering the entire top surface of the speaker, aligning with earlier speculations about Apple’s exploration into integrating a display into its HomePod lineup.

The leaked component is in line with a previously leaked HomePod prototype with a curved LCD display, suggesting that Apple may be moving towards incorporating a more interactive and visually appealing interface. Reports indicate that the display-equipped HomePod could potentially show basic information about media being played through apps like Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, as well as display notifications for answering phone calls and messages directly from the device.

Industry experts and software leaks have also provided insights into Apple’s potential development of a display-equipped HomePod. Code discovered in tvOS 17.4 hinted at a more advanced HomePod prototype with a display comparable in size to the iPad mini 6. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has acknowledged Apple’s efforts in this direction but suggests that a public release in 2024 may be unlikely.

As speculation and leaks continue to circulate, Apple enthusiasts and consumers eagerly await official announcements regarding the future of the HomePod lineup. Whether a display-equipped HomePod will revolutionize the smart speaker market remains to be seen, but it certainly promises an exciting new chapter in Apple’s audio offerings.