Breaking News: Apple’s Secret Plan to Revolutionize HomePod with Touchscreen UI

In a shocking discovery, tech enthusiasts have unearthed a hidden touchscreen interface in the latest tvOS beta, hinting at a potential touchscreen HomePod. This revelation has sent shockwaves through the tech community, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans of the smart speaker.

For years, Apple’s tvOS updates have been relatively underwhelming, with the most significant change being the addition of an extra column of icons. However, the latest tvOS 18 beta 3 release has introduced a game-changing feature that could revolutionize the way we interact with our smart speakers. The codenamed “PlasterBoard” interface is a clear indication that Apple is exploring alternative input methods beyond remote control and voice commands.

Last week, MacRumors stumbled upon a reference to a device called “HomeAccessory17,1” in Apple’s beta software, which shares a similar naming convention with the “AudioAccessory” device identifiers used for HomePod speakers. This finding, combined with the touchscreen UI discovery, suggests that Apple is working on a new HomePod model with an integrated touchscreen. Rumors have been circulating that this device could launch in 2024 or 2025, building upon Apple’s existing smart home device with a screen, which has been in development since at least 2021.

The “17,1” model identifier could imply that the new HomePod will be powered by Apple’s upcoming A18 chip, which would provide the necessary speed to support advanced features like improved Siri functionality. This development is significant, as all HomePod speakers have been running a modified version of tvOS since 2020, making it logical for Apple to use tvOS as the basis for a HomePod with a screen.

A touchscreen HomePod could offer a range of exciting features, including a tvOS version of Safari for browsing and casual reading. However, the form factor of the screen remains unclear, with some rumors suggesting a circular panel replacing the LED lights on current HomePods, while others propose an “iPad-like” display, similar to Amazon’s Echo Show.

Amazon has already released multiple generations of Echo Show devices, and Google has also ventured into the category. A HomePod with a screen would be a significant player in this market, offering a unique blend of smart speaker functionality and display capabilities. While the pricing of this device remains unknown, it’s likely to be more expensive than the current HomePod, considering it would feature a HomePod-esque speaker, an iPad-esque screen, and a cutting-edge iPhone processor.

The original HomePod, launched at $349, failed to gain traction due to its high price point and limited functionality. A touchscreen HomePod, with its enhanced capabilities, could potentially command a higher price without drawing criticism. As Apple continues to refine its smart speaker offerings, this development has the potential to shake up the market and redefine the way we interact with our smart devices.

Key Takeaways:

• Apple is testing a touchscreen interface in tvOS beta, hinting at a potential touchscreen HomePod.
• The “HomeAccessory17,1” model identifier suggests the new HomePod will be powered by the A18 chip.
• A touchscreen HomePod could offer advanced features like improved Siri functionality and a tvOS version of Safari.
• The device’s form factor remains unclear, with rumors suggesting a circular panel or an “iPad-like” display.
• The pricing of the device is unknown, but it’s likely to be more expensive than the current HomePod.
• A touchscreen HomePod could revolutionize the smart speaker market and redefine the way we interact with our devices.

Historical Context:

Apple has been exploring the concept of a smart speaker with a screen since at least 2021, and the company has been refining its smart speaker offerings. The original HomePod, launched in 2018, failed to gain traction due to its high price point and limited functionality. Apple has been working on improving its smart speaker lineup, and the discovery of a touchscreen interface in the latest tvOS beta suggests that the company is planning to release a new HomePod model with advanced features.

The tech industry has seen a rise in the popularity of smart speakers with screens, with Amazon releasing multiple generations of Echo Show devices and Google venturing into the category. Apple’s entry into this market could potentially shake up the industry and redefine the way we interact with our smart devices.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• Apple is testing a touchscreen interface in tvOS beta, hinting at a potential touchscreen HomePod. • The “HomeAccessory17,1” model identifier suggests the new HomePod will be powered by the A18 chip. • A touchscreen HomePod could offer advanced features like improved Siri functionality and a tvOS version of Safari. • The device’s form factor remains unclear, with rumors suggesting a circular panel or an “iPad-like” display. • The pricing of the device is unknown, but it’s likely to be more expensive than the current HomePod. • A touchscreen HomePod could revolutionize the smart speaker market and redefine the way we interact with our devices. • The discovery of the touchscreen interface in the latest tvOS beta suggests that Apple is planning to release a new HomePod model with advanced features. • The new HomePod could potentially command a higher price point without drawing criticism due to its enhanced capabilities. • The tech industry has seen a rise in the popularity of smart speakers with screens, with Amazon releasing multiple generations of Echo Show devices and Google venturing into the category.