Apple is again said to be working on an updated HomePod model, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman suggesting in this week’s “Power On” newsletter that the new speaker will be a similar size to the original 6.8-inch tall model introduced in 2018, reportedly featuring an updated display on the top that could offer multi-touch functionality.
Respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo was first to report last month that he believed a new HomePod was in development, with code from Apple’s first iOS 16 developer beta unearthing references to an unreleased model named “AudioAccessory6,” which seemingly confirmed a new version of the Siri smart speaker was being worked on.
Gurman says the HomePod, code-named B620, will likely run the same S8 chip coming to the Apple Watch Series 8 later this year. Details are thin on what the new model could offer. Still, Gurman says the device will be closer to the original HomePod in terms of size and audio performance rather than a new HomePod mini, noting how the device will feature an updated display on the top with “multi-touch functionality.”
According to the report, the new HomePod is “unlikely to arrive until next year,” aligning with Kuo’s earlier insight which said the new model would launch either later this year or early next year.
Apple currently sells only the $99 HomePod mini after discontinuing the original $299 HomePod last year. Although neither Kup nor Gurman hasn’t specified what new features the updated HomePod could bring, it could be that the iPhone maker is eyeing up a larger version of the HomePod mini to fill the gap the original HomePod left when it was removed.