Chinese analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that Apple will begin mass production of the new HomePod with a screen in the third quarter of 2025.
Kuo is likely referring to Apple's anticipated smart home hub, which will feature a square screen similar to an iPad. The device will be able to be attached to a base similar to the HomePod or mounted on a wall. If his prediction is accurate, it means the device will enter mass production after the annual WWDC developer conference in June.
Incidentally, Kuo initially predicted that Apple would begin mass production of the HomePod with a screen in the first quarter of 2025, but he later stated that production was delayed due to "software development issues."
Apple said last week that the more personalized version of Siri that the company showed off at WWDC 2024 is developing more slowly than expected, and now plans to release new Siri features "in the coming year." Perhaps that's why the launch of Apple's smart hub has also been delayed.
Apple's smart hub is rumored to feature a 6-inch or 7-inch screen and an A18 chip. It will allow users to control smart devices, make video calls via FaceTime, use the intercom feature to communicate between rooms in the house, and more.