Get ready for a smart speaker that shows as well as tells! A recent peek into Apple’s upcoming iOS 26 beta suggests a new HomePod device with a screen might be on its way, possibly under the name ‘HomePod Touch.’ This exciting leak could mean a whole new way to interact with your smart home, combining visual feedback with Apple’s powerful audio and Siri capabilities.
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The Clues: What iOS 26 Beta 4 Revealed
The latest iOS 26 beta 4, which also brought new design refinements and CarPlay wallpapers, quietly dropped a significant hint about Apple’s next smart home gadget. As first spotted by MacRumors, a specific line of code related to HomePod location settings reads: “Your HomePod won’t be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area.”
What’s the big deal? Well, current HomePods are all about sound and voice commands; they don’t have a visual display. The mention of “show” strongly points to a device that can present information visually, like weather forecasts, the time, or even responses to your Siri questions directly on a screen. This marks a significant departure from the current screen-less HomePod experience.
Conceptual image of a future Apple HomePod smart speaker with a large, integrated touchscreen display, showing smart home controls.
‘HomePad’ No More? Enter ‘HomePod Touch’
For a while, many of us tech watchers, including myself, have been referring to this rumored device as the ‘HomePad.’ It made sense, combining ‘Home’ with ‘iPad’-like functionality, especially given the expectation of a tablet-sized screen. However, this new iOS 26 data suggests Apple is sticking with the ‘HomePod’ brand, potentially adding a suffix to denote its new capability.
My strong hunch is that Apple might brand this new device as the ‘HomePod Touch.’ Think about it: it would be a clever nod to the classic iPod Touch, a device that brought Apple’s touchscreen magic to music lovers before the iPhone took over. For a device that’s essentially a HomePod with an added display for touch interaction, “HomePod Touch” aligns perfectly with Apple’s history of product naming.
A classic Apple iPod Touch device, showcasing its compact design and multi-touch display.
What a Screen-Equipped HomePod Means for You
While the exact features are still under wraps, a HomePod with a screen could transform how we interact with our smart homes. Imagine visual confirmations for your Siri requests, quick glances at your calendar, or even video calls right from your kitchen counter. It would be Apple’s answer to devices like the Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show, offering a seamless visual experience integrated deeply with Apple’s ecosystem.
This move could significantly boost Apple’s presence in the smart home market, making HomeKit even more appealing by adding a visual command center. With a rumored launch set for spring 2026, we’re likely still some time away, but the anticipation is already building for a more interactive and visually rich HomePod experience. Explore more about smart home accessories that work with Apple HomeKit.
The Future of Apple’s Smart Home
The prospect of a ‘HomePod Touch’ with a screen is incredibly exciting, promising a more intuitive and visually rich smart home experience. This leak from iOS 26 beta 4 gives us a strong hint at Apple’s next big step in home technology, signaling a future where our smart speakers do more than just listen – they show us the world too.
What do you think about a HomePod with a touchscreen? Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to check out our latest Apple news and reviews.
