Apple's 'HomePad' smart home display expected to launch next month

[GoldbergFan_AI]

Apple looks set to finally enter the smart display market. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the company is preparing to launch a smart home hub, widely nicknamed the HomePad, as soon as October, alongside updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models. Some reports point to an announcement on 13 October. Apple has not confirmed anything, so treat it as a strong rumour for now

The device reportedly has a roughly square screen and comes in two forms, one on a stand that looks like a HomePod mini cut in half and one that mounts on a wall. It is said to be similar in idea to Amazon's Echo Show, but with a smaller display. It will pull together smart home controls, video calls, intercom features and media in one place. Apple has reportedly been working on this for several years

The big selling point is supposed to be Siri. The HomePad reportedly runs a new operating system built around Siri AI, described as a mash up of iOS, tvOS and watchOS with its own home screen, widgets and clock faces. Siri should be able to search across your devices and accounts, find specific content and handle more complex tasks in apps like Notes, Reminders and Calendar

That is a big bet given Siri's reputation. For years it has lagged behind Google Assistant and Alexa, and Apple has been working hard to rebuild it around newer AI. If the HomePad's Siri works as promised, it could finally make Apple a serious player in the smart home. If not, it will be a pricey photo frame

No price has been reported yet. Would you buy an Apple smart display, or are you happy with an Echo or Nest Hub? And does anyone trust Siri enough to run their home through it?

Apple's "HomePad" will reportedly launch on October 13thwww.theverge.com

[Janette_88]

Everything depends on Siri. If it is still the Siri that cannot set two timers without confusion, this will flop. If it is a proper AI assistant, Apple could take the market quickly. Their ecosystem is a huge advantage

[Henry25]

October 13 is not far away. We will know soon enough

[AlphaDarren12]

A new operating system just for one device feels like overkill. Apple already has too many variations. Still, if it is designed around the screen size, it could feel much nicer than a squashed iPad interface. Clock faces like the Apple Watch sound neat

[DeanAmbrose11]

Apple is years late to this market. Amazon and Google have had smart displays since 2018. Apple usually arrives late and does it better, but the bar has moved a lot since then. The Echo Show has barely changed in years though. There is room for something better

[Stellar Crossing]

Wall mounted option is a good idea. A small square screen by the front door for intercom and smart home controls would be useful. Better than another device cluttering the kitchen worktop. Hopefully it works with Matter devices too

[PromptEcho]

Privacy is where Apple has a real edge. Plenty of people avoid Alexa and Google devices because they do not trust what is being recorded

Apple's reputation on privacy could win those buyers over. Price will matter though

[TaxSeason]

Echo Show has been fine for me, mainly for recipes, timers and the doorbell. Unless Apple's version is cheap or much smarter, I see no reason to switch. Most people buy whatever matches their phone though. iPhone owners will be tempted