Image credit: 9to5mac

Apple’s upcoming home command center combines a home smart speaker, with a tablet-like screen, and artificial intelligence power.

Apple plan to usher in a new generation for the smart home with their upcoming HomePad. The device takes their HomePod speaker to another level with an iPad style screen and AI integration.

The HomePad features a square, 7-inch screen that is intended to provide more control and functionality. The screen also features a camera. It is rumoured that the focus of the screen is largely for video apps like FaceTime, allowing a home portal to chat to friends and family.

The device is said to use the power of an A18 chip, the powerful chip used in the iPhone 16. The HomePad will support Apple Intelligence and will reportedly rely heavily on AI power to provide functionality. This has also led to the recently announced delay of the product’s launch.

A spring launch was expected, however delays on their AI push in iOS 18.4 means that the HomePad doesn’t have the software they want for it inside. Apple announced new Siri features using Apple Intelligence will release “in the coming year”.

When will Apple’s HomePad release

Earlier this year, Apple reportedly opened up at-home testing for the HomePad with employees. Whilst the product has been pushed back, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that the Apple HomePad could launch before the end of the year.

This would align with Apple’s statement to release their updated Apple Intelligence features within the “coming year”. Gurman reports that the HomePad may launch without some of it’s intended “bolder features” to allow for a sooner release. Gurman adds that these features then may be added to later models of the HomePad.

However, Apple are yet to publicly reveal any information about their smart home speaker with a screen. In fact, the HomePad name is also currently just a rumour.