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Could Apple’s Next Move Be the Most Refreshing HomePod Yet? Learn What’s Changing Next!
A small word can mean a lot. In the newest iOS 26 developer beta, a brief line uses “show” when talking about HomePods. Why is this important? None of today’s HomePods have a screen to display information. They only play sound or glow with colored lights.
What the Discovery Means
The beta mentions: “Your HomePod won’t be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area.”
This wording stands out because current HomePods can’t “show” anything. They have no screens. Apple doesn’t use “show” for sound-only gadgets.
The most likely reason for this text is a future HomePod with a real display, not just colorful lights.
What Might the New HomePod Display Do?
If Apple launches a HomePod with a display, these features could come:
- Show the weather, time, or news on the screen
- Visual feedback for music, alarms, and smart home updates
- Control all HomeKit and Matter devices from a simple hub
- Respond to Siri requests by displaying answers, not just speaking them
- Maybe even video calls, similar to other smart hubs
How Is Apple’s Smart Speaker Changing?
Many users and experts believe Apple is following competitors like Amazon’s Echo Show and the Google Home Hub.
Possible design choices include:
- A touch screen (could be square, not rectangle, based on rumors)
- Core Apple apps such as Weather, Calendar, Music, and Photos—all available right on the HomePod display
- A focus on easy smart home control, possibly acting as a house “dashboard”
- Keeping Siri as the main assistant, but now with things you can read and tap
Why Has It Taken So Long?
The second-generation HomePod came out two years ago. Since then, users wanted a big upgrade. Apple seems to have delayed a new smart display HomePod because of technical hold-ups, especially with Siri and the new “Apple Intelligence.” Reports show Apple is waiting until its voice assistant works well with a screen. That’s why the release may not happen until early 2026.