Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has once again revised his prediction for the long-rumored HomePod with a screen, stating that mass production is now expected to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The device, which has been referred to as both a Home Hub and a HomePod with a display, was initially anticipated to enter production in early 2025 but has faced multiple delays due to software development challenges.
Kuo’s latest update aligns with previous reports suggesting that Apple is working on a smart home hub featuring a 6-inch or 7-inch display, an A18 chip, and deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem. The device is expected to function as a central smart home controller, allowing users to manage HomeKit accessories, make FaceTime calls, and utilize Apple’s intercom feature. Additionally, it may include a built-in Apple-designed camera, potentially serving as part of a home security system.
Three months ago, I predicted that mass production of the new display-equipped HomePod would slip from 1Q25 to 3Q25 (after WWDC) due to software development issues. Beyond Apple Intelligence, the issues also involve ensuring the HomePod’s interface aligns with new OS updates… https://t.co/wg4EazzTW3
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 12, 2025
The delay appears to be linked to ongoing issues with Apple Intelligence, the AI-powered suite of features that Apple previewed at WWDC 2024. The company recently admitted that some of the more advanced Siri enhancements would not arrive until 2025, signaling that software readiness remains a hurdle. Kuo also emphasized that Apple wants the HomePod’s interface to align with upcoming OS updates, including iOS 19, which is set to launch in the second half of 2025. This suggests that Apple is aiming for seamless ecosystem integration, possibly with a new homeOS platform that could extend elements of visionOS into the smart home experience.
Reports indicate that Apple initially planned to release the HomePod with a screen in 2024 before pushing it to early 2025. Now, the timeline has shifted again, with mass production expected after WWDC in June 2025. This raises questions about the potential launch window, as Apple typically releases major software updates in September or October. If the HomePod is indeed scheduled for the third quarter of 2025, it could debut alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. However, with rumors of a new, slimmer iPhone 17 Air taking center stage at that event, it remains uncertain whether Apple will use that platform to introduce the smart home device.
Kuo’s track record on the HomePod with a screen has been inconsistent, with predictions of an imminent launch dating back to early 2024. While Apple has shown increased interest in the home market, including hiring engineers for smart home projects, concrete details about the Home Hub remain scarce. With references to the device appearing in code as early as February 2024 and a display manufacturer reportedly selected in January 2025, there is evidence that development is progressing. However, whether Apple can stick to this latest timeline remains to be seen, especially given the company’s broader software development challenges.
