Apple is shaking up the smart home market. After years of speculation, a new product is ready to launch: the Apple HomePad. Unlike the previous HomePod, the HomePad is designed from the ground up as a smart control center with a touchscreen display. It combines Siri, Apple Intelligence, and HomeKit in one device – and, according to a recent Bloomberg report, could be released as early as the end of 2025. Here are all the known details.
The Apple HomePad is a completely new product—not a speaker with additional features, but a smart display for the home. Apple plans to create a device that combines video applications, voice control, AI features, and smart home control. Technical challenges delayed the original schedule , but internal testing is now underway. According to Mark Gurman, the HomePad launch could take place this year.
Key features of the HomePad
The HomePad will be equipped with a square 7-inch touchscreen. According to Gurman, the display is surrounded by a clearly visible bezel, visually reminiscent of a small iPad in portrait format. It serves not only as a display, but also as an active control center for your smart home. At the top of the bezel is an integrated camera, primarily for FaceTime. This also makes the HomePad a communication device that you can use hands-free—ideal for video calls in the living room or kitchen.
Mobile design with battery
Another important detail: The HomePad will have a built-in, rechargeable battery. This means you can move it around the room without constantly having to plug in a cable. This sets it apart from the current, stationary HomePod.
New software: homeOS
For the first time, a dedicated operating system is being used: homeOS. This was developed specifically for the HomePad and is designed to make controlling your home clear and intuitive. At its heart is a dashboard inspired by the iPhone's standby mode. You can see the time, appointments, weather, and even devices like lights, thermostats, and cameras at a glance – and control them directly from the display.
Focus on FaceTime and Apple apps
There's a clear focus on video and communication features. FaceTime is said to be deeply integrated, and you're expected to be able to use many well-known Apple apps directly on the display—including Music, Messages, Photos, and Calendar. This makes the HomePad a versatile interface that can do far more than just accept voice commands.
Apple Intelligence & Siri
At the heart of the HomePad is the integration of Apple Intelligence. This makes Siri more powerful and context-sensitive—a new generation of voice control. However, this very feature is one of the reasons for the delay. The necessary features in iOS 18.4 weren't yet ready, which slowed down the planned spring launch. Apple has already confirmed that the new Siri features with Apple Intelligence won't be fully available until 2026. Nevertheless, Apple is already intensively testing the HomePad internally. Employees were able to take the device home to test it under real-world conditions.
Market launch expected at the end of 2025
Although previous estimates suggested a release not before 2026, Gurman now reports that Apple could release the HomePad at the end of this year. This would be significantly earlier than expected and would demonstrate that Apple is committed to the project despite setbacks.
Future project: HomePad with robotic arm
In addition to the HomePad, Apple is working on another, more ambitious device: a smart display with a robotic arm and AI personality. According to Gurman, this project is one of Apple's biggest future projects. However, the timeline is still open—a release is not expected until 2026 or 2027 at the earliest. Some planned features have been removed to speed up progress, but could be added back later.
HomePad: Apple's new heart for the smart home
With the HomePad, Apple is launching a true control center for your smart home. Its touchscreen, camera, battery, homeOS, and AI features make it a new device type in the Apple ecosystem—somewhere between the iPad, HomePod, and Apple TV. Even though not all features will be available at launch, Apple is showing where it's headed: a smart home that's not just connected, but also thinks for itself. (Image: Shutterstock / Andrew Angelov)
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