Apple seems to be gearing up to launch a brand new smart home device, and a recent leak from a test version of its upcoming iOS 26 software strongly suggests it will feature a display. This mysterious new gadget, which many have speculated would be called “HomePad,” now appears set to debut under the familiar “HomePod” name, possibly as the “HomePod Touch.” Get ready for a smarter, more visual way to interact with your home!
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The Tell-Tale Clue in iOS 26 Beta 4
The latest test version of Apple’s operating system, iOS 26 beta 4, has revealed a fascinating hint about an unreleased product. While exploring the new software, tech enthusiasts discovered a curious line of text related to a HomePod setting. It states:
Your HomePod won’t be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area.
The crucial word here is “show.” Why is this significant? Because no HomePod currently on the market has a screen that can visually display information. This strongly implies that Apple is working on a HomePod variant that does indeed feature a screen.
Why a Screen Changes Everything for HomePod
Imagine asking Siri for the weather and actually seeing the forecast appear on a display, or getting visual confirmation for your smart home commands. A screen fundamentally changes how we interact with a smart speaker.
Current HomePods, like the HomePod mini, offer amazing sound and powerful Siri integration, but they rely purely on audio. Adding a screen would transform the device from an audio-only assistant into a true visual hub for your home. This means:
- Instant Visual Feedback: See the time, weather, or your upcoming calendar events at a glance.
- Enhanced Smart Home Control: Visually manage your connected lights, thermostats, and cameras directly from the device.
- Richer Siri Interactions: Siri could not only tell you information but show it, making complex queries easier to understand.
This move would also put Apple’s smart home offering in direct competition with screen-equipped devices like Google’s Nest Hub or Amazon’s Echo Show, providing a more comprehensive experience for users.
Conceptual render of Apple's upcoming HomePod device featuring an integrated touch screen, hinting at visual capabilities for smart home control and information display.
“HomePod Touch”: A Nod to a Classic?
For months, rumors and reports have circulated about Apple’s new smart home device, with many calling it “HomePad.” However, this new iOS 26 leak suggests Apple might be sticking to its established “HomePod” branding for this new screen-equipped model.
The most logical guess for the name, given Apple’s history, is “HomePod Touch.” This name would not only clearly indicate the presence of a touch screen but also pay homage to the beloved iPod Touch, a device known for its intuitive screen-based interaction and focus on media consumption. It fits perfectly for a device expected to be, essentially, a HomePod with a display.
Close-up view of an Apple iPod Touch (6th generation) in space gray, illustrating the iconic portable device that inspired the potential 'HomePod Touch' branding for Apple's new smart speaker with a display.
While initial reports about this new product surfaced some time ago, hinting at Apple’s broader plans for smart home AI (learn more about Apple’s smart home AI release date here), it appears the launch might have been delayed. The latest whispers suggest we could see this exciting new HomePod product as early as Spring 2026 (read more about the new HomePad product launch timing update here).
What’s Next for Apple’s Smart Home?
The potential “HomePod Touch” represents a significant evolution for Apple’s smart home ecosystem. A visual interface on a HomePod could unlock new possibilities for controlling devices, accessing information, and interacting with Siri in ways that simply aren’t possible with audio alone. It suggests Apple is serious about expanding its presence in the smart display market and offering a more complete solution for connected homes.
This leak offers a tantalizing glimpse into what Apple has planned. Are you excited about a HomePod with a screen, possibly named “HomePod Touch”? Share your thoughts and stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to its potential launch!
