The Apple HomePad is reportedly coming to market as Apple prepares major changes to its stores for its new smart home. The information remains unofficial, but it suggests that the company may introduce a new control center with a display in the fall, along with a refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini.
The new image comes from a report by 9to5Mac, citing Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and the Power On newsletter. According to the report, Apple stores are planning to rearrange the "Avenues" and add new locations for accessories, in anticipation of products that will not be just a typical refresh.
See also: ChatGPT iMessage: New Apple Messages plugin raises privacy questions
Apple HomePad as a control center
Apple is expected to initially unveil a refreshed Apple TV 4K and a new HomePod mini, but the scale of the changes in stores is seen as a sign that there could be a third product: the Apple HomePad, a smart home control center with a built-in display.
The information so far describes a square screen of about seven inches and two versions. One could have a built-in speaker on a stand, while the other would be designed to be mounted on the wall with a magnetic system. Thus, the device would function as both a home speaker and a central control panel.
The rumored product is expected to use a new operating system, with widgets on the home screen and the ability to make FaceTime calls. It will also connect to HomeKit accessories and leverage Siri to control lights, thermostats, cameras and other devices.
As a control center, the device could centralize key home functions in one place, rather than requiring the use of separate apps. Its practical value will depend on compatibility with existing accessories and whether Siri can understand complex commands without lag.
New Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini with Siri
The report places the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini refreshes in the fall. The new models are expected to feature faster processors to support more features of the revamped Siri. However, the exact processors and final capabilities have not been confirmed by Apple.
The Apple TV 4K is rumored to feature an A17 Pro processor, while the HomePod mini could use a chip used in a newer Apple Watch. The TV may also come with a new Siri Remote, though it's unclear whether the design will change or just the internals.
See also: Apple reportedly laying off 60 employees from its Vision team
The connection of devices to Siri is a possible reason for the delays. Apple has repeatedly delayed the more personal version of the assistant as it tries to offer responses based on context and user actions. If the software is ready, the new products could be presented as a single platform.
For users, the value of such a device will not be determined solely by its display. It will depend on how reliably it interacts with home accessories, how quickly it executes commands, and how much of the processing is done locally. Privacy will also be critical, especially when the control center is connected to cameras and sensors.
What remains unconfirmed about the Apple HomePad
Although the Apple HomePad has been mentioned in several reports, Apple has not announced its name or release date. Information about the display, A18 chip, new operating system, and two versions comes from leaks and analysis, not an official presentation.
The store setup itself doesn't prove that all the products will be released at the same time. It could involve more than one category or even a product that hasn't been publicly described. The final picture is expected to become clearer at Apple's presentation in September or at a separate event later in the year.
See also: Apple Music: Tags on songs created with AI
Until there is an official confirmation, the HomePad and HomePod with Display names should be treated as provisional. The same goes for estimates regarding cost, features, and availability in Greece, as none of these details have been announced. Therefore, the control center remains a rumored product for now.
If the rumors are confirmed, the move would give Apple a more direct way to compete with Google and Amazon's smart home ecosystems. Until then, SecNews' technical and editorial team will be monitoring official announcements, separating confirmed data from estimates.
