Apple’s much-awaited display-equipped HomePod has faced production delays several times, now mass production is expected to begin after WWDC 2025, which usually takes place in the month of June every year. According to estimates by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the HomePod with display was initially scheduled to be released in 2024, however, the timeline was previously pushed to early 2025 and has now been revised to late 2025.

Reportedly, the delay is mainly due to challenges in software development, which is critical to the functionality of the device. The new HomePod models will have a 6 or 7-inch display and an A18 processor. The HomePod is also expected to be integrated with Apple Intelligence, which is certainly expected to be one of the biggest upgrades coming to Apple’s smart speaker lineup, along with the display.

Unlike the current HomePod model, which focuses on audio quality and Siri-based interactions, the display-equipped version is expected to prioritize smart home capabilities. The change signals Apple’s strategic repositioning of the HomePod to cater to the growing smart home market.

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, in his Medium post, points to Apple’s track record of successfully repositioning products to suit market needs. He cites the example of the Apple Watch, which went from being marketed as a fashion accessory and iPhone companion to becoming a leading device for health and fitness tracking. Kuo predicts that the HomePod with display could follow a similar trajectory.

In addition to the new HomePod, Apple is reportedly developing a smart home IP camera, which is expected to be released in 2026. This camera is expected to integrate wirelessly with the display-equipped HomePod. Both products are likely to work closely with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.

Along the same lines, Apple was recently seen filing patents for identity verification solutions tailored to smart home devices, similar to the role Face ID and Touch ID play in enhancing security and usability on mobile devices. These advancements aim to make smart home applications more accessible and secure.

According to Kuo’s production estimates, Apple plans to ship about 500,000 units of the display-equipped HomePod in the second half of 2025. If the product performs well in the market, its annual shipment may exceed one million units, highlighting its potential impact.