Apple to launch display-equipped HomePod in 2025, smart IP camera in 2026

Apple’s much-anticipated display-equipped HomePod has faced multiple production delays, with mass production now expected to begin after WWDC 2025, which usually happens in the month of June every year. The HomePod with a display was initially slated for a 2024 release, however, the timeline was first pushed to early 2025 and has now been revised further to late 2025, according to the estimates of Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
Reportedly, the delay stems primarily from challenges in software development, which is critical to the device’s functionality. The new HomePod model is set to feature a 6 or 7-inch display, and an A18 processor. The HomePod is also expected to be integrated with Apple Intelligence, which is expected to be one of the biggest upgrades coming to Apple’s smart speaker lineup –– along with the display, of course.
Unlike the current HomePod models, which focus on audio quality and Siri-based interactions, the display-equipped version is expected to prioritise smart home capabilities. This shift signals Apple’s strategic repositioning of the HomePod to cater to the expanding smart home market.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in his Medium post, points out Apple’s track record of successfully repositioning products to align with market needs. He gives the example of the Apple Watch, which transitioned from being marketed as a fashion accessory and iPhone companion, to becoming a leading device for health and fitness tracking. The HomePod with a display could follow a similar trajectory, predicts Kuo.
In addition to the new HomePod, Apple is reportedly developing a smart home IP camera, anticipated for release in 2026. This camera is expected to wirelessly integrate with the display-equipped HomePod. Both products are likely to work closely with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.
On the same lines, Apple was recently spotted to have filed patents for identity verification solutions tailored to smart home devices, similar to the role Face ID and Touch ID play in enhancing security and usability on mobile devices. These advancements aim to make smart home applications more accessible and secure.
As per Kuo’s production estimates, Apple plans to ship around 500,000 units of the display-equipped HomePod in the second half of 2025. If the product performs well in the market, its annual shipments could exceed one million units, highlighting its potential impact.