Apple's HomePod with Built-in Display Faces Further Delays

Apple continues to face setbacks in the launch of its highly anticipated HomePod with a built-in display. According to prominent Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the product, which has been in development for years, is encountering further delays due to ongoing software development challenges. Initially expected to debut in early 2025, the launch is now projected to occur after Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June of that year. Apple has not commented on the reported delays.

The HomePod is rumored to feature an advanced A18 processor, a 6- to 7-inch screen, and integration with Apple Intelligence. This innovation is part of Apple’s broader efforts to strengthen its presence in the smart home market, an area where the company has historically lagged behind competitors such as Google and Amazon.

In addition to the updated HomePod, Apple is reportedly working on other smart home technologies, including a wall-mounted smart display designed to manage household devices. This initiative, reportedly prioritized by CEO Tim Cook, aligns with Apple’s long-term strategy to become a significant player in smart home technology.

Industry experts see the upcoming HomePod as a critical step for Apple to better compete in the smart speaker segment. A display-equipped HomePod would offer users a more comprehensive interactive experience, combining visual and audio capabilities. Ming-Chi Kuo pointed out Apple’s track record of repositioning products to meet new market demands, citing the Apple Watch’s transformation from a fashion accessory to a health management tool as an example.

Kuo also previously forecasted that Apple plans to launch a smart home IP camera in 2026. The camera is expected to seamlessly integrate with the new HomePod, further expanding Apple’s smart home ecosystem. These developments underscore Apple’s commitment to reshaping its position in the competitive smart home market.