Apple’s HomePod With Touchscreen May Get a Square Display, A18 Chip and AI Features: Report

Apple is working on a new type of product — a home accessory that will run on a variant of tvOS and boast a touch display on top. The said device, according to a latest report, may come with artificial intelligence features powered by the latest A18 processor by Apple. It may also support hand gestures, FaceTime, and other video conferencing platforms, ably aided by the device’s in-built cameras.

Apple HomePod Features Touchscreen As Expected

According to a report by 9to5Mac, leaked device has the identifier “HomeAccessory”. It also agrees with an earlier report stating that there was a code found at the backend of Apple that referred to a new category of identifiers called “HomeAccessory17,1”. The same report states this one is codenamed J490.

This rumored in-development device from the house of Apple is likely going to power using an A18 chipset, the same chipset powering the series of new iPhone 16. So, there is a lot to speculate that it would come with support for Apple Intelligence-the company’s suite of AI features for iPhone, iPad, and other devices. When this comes to be, it will mark the first-ever Apple HomePod device.

Aside from the AI features, the leaked image of the HomePod with touchscreen is also said to feature a square type of display instead of the usual rectangular display of tablets offered. It might reportedly feature a custom lock screen with numerous clock faces similar to that found within the interface of the Apple TV. Apparently, the custom lock screen functionality was cited as discovered in a user by a tvOS beta update.

According to the report, it might have a built-in camera to enable its use with video conferencing applications such as FaceTime, among others. This device may allegedly identify hand gestures that will be used in controlling it through the camera.

In addition, it is also believed to support user identification, where through it, users will be enabled to make personal requests-a feature that already exists on the HomePod, and which users can use via voice commands. It may have playback of audio and may also function as an AirPlay receiver, according to the report.