Apple will give its smart speaker HomePod a complete makeover for 2025, a device that it hopes to position as capable of executing advanced tasks, among many other competitive capabilities. Updates will range from adding a touchscreen display to refreshing internal hardware; the new version of the HomePod is aimed at bringing a fresh user experience and possibly going head-to-head with rival products from Amazon and Google.
Touchscreen Display for Enhanced Functionality
A major highlight of the 2025 HomePod is the inclusion of a 7-inch touchscreen. This addition signals Apple’s intent to elevate its smart speaker’s usability and align it more closely with competitor products. According to a report from DigiTimes, Apple has partnered with Tianma as its exclusive supplier for the LCD display. By opting for LCD technology, Apple can cut production costs significantly. The company reportedly negotiated a deal to pay just $10 per display, which could help keep the HomePod price competitive.
The touchscreen display will also open up a range of possibilities for the smart speaker, including interactive uses such as visual controls, media playback, and maybe even some casual gaming.
Powerful A18 Chipset Inside
It was reported that the next-generation HomePod would have an A18 chip, similar to what will be in the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. The powerhouse chipset may unlock further potential for things like more resource-intensive apps or support for more complex audio and visual processing.
The A18 is expected to shine in a larger form factor of the HomePod, where the device has more room for thermal management, addressing overheating complaints that sometimes arise in the iPhones. While there’s speculation about gaming compatibility, Apple is more likely to leverage the A18 in enhanced performance and integration for its ecosystem, including, of course, Apple Intelligence.
AI Integration and Added Capabilities
Other ways in which Apple could put investment into generative AI features might include the new HomePod. This would involve at least 8GB of RAM-a very feasible addition. This would turn the HomePod into a smart home automation center, powered by AI, offering personalized experiences unlike any other in increasingly crowded markets.
Pricing and Market Competition
While the report does not give explicit indications of price, affordability would be key for Apple. Competition from Google and Amazon has dominated the smart speaker market by offering products from all ends of the pricing spectrum. Apple’s opportunity to competitively price-attractive products due to declining component costs could help expand its reach and cement a position in the smart home market.
Conclusion
The 2025 HomePod looks like it will be a beast: the A18 chip, touchscreen, and even some AI capabilities, among other hardware changes. By placing competitive pricing at the center of its strategy, Apple hopes to take a bigger bite out of the smart speaker market and push the boundaries of what the device can do. It remains to be seen just how this next-generation HomePod will shape the future of smart home technology as details are revealed.
