While it is no longer news that Apple is working on incorporating a smart display atop a HomePod, its famed cylindrical speaker, it was recently leaked by an insider who was able to get their hands on the actual product. The said product was said to be Apple's prototype for the next-gen HomePod, and it will no longer be focused on its speaker capabilities, as it could be a standalone device.
The Apple HomePod has not seen massive updates in the past years, and this would bring a significant upgrade to the device, matching against its top competitors now.
Apple's HomePod with Smart Display Prototype Leaked
(Photo : Kosutami via Twitter)
Kosutami, a renowned Apple insider and speculator, has leaked images of the latest HomePod prototype from the tech company, with the leaker claiming that this frame shell features glass on top. The new HomePod will feature this smart display that has black bezels surrounding it, meant to bring touchscreen controls for users.
The leaker also regarded that this new touchscreen was patterned and/or similar to the HomePod 2nd generation's body, with the speculations centering on the next-gen Apple speaker receiving the display. Kosutami also showed iFixit's breakdown of the HomePod 2nd gen from a past video to reveal the similarities of the shell from the already available device from the leaked prototype shell.
Read Also: Apple Rumored To Be Working on New Homepod With Built-in Display, Kuo Says
What to Expect on Apple's Next-Gen HomePod
(Photo : Apple)
The exact details and features that the HomePod's next release will bring are yet to be known by the company, but as per the leaks, this will soon feature a smart display atop it. This will replace the previous touch controls which center only on volume, pause and play, power, and the other buttons.
Apple's Smart Home Developments
While Apple is one of the top for consumer tech, there are still a couple of devices that it lacks to offer for the smart home, but this is something that the company is already looking to change in the future. Earlier this year, it was revealed that Apple is looking to bring two products to debut new smart home tech, including a new Apple TV that is housed in a HomePod and also features a FaceTime Camera.
(Photo : Apple)
The other would be a HomeKit display that would be patterned from the iPad.
In the middle of all these Apple smart home developments, the Cupertino giant was also said to bring future upgrades to the HomePod lineup, with the company promising renowned tech. The relaunch of the HomePods would center on immersive Spatial Audio, smart home automation via Siri, smoke and carbon monoxide detection, and more.
Until now, there were only talks about the upcoming HomePod refresh that will feature its much-awaited smart home upgrade that was highly speculated by Apple. The leaked prototype for the next-gen HomePod will bring a smart display for all, and it will center on the many features available for the device, including the capabilities to center controls and deliver smart home capabilities.
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