Apple’s most important product in 2025 isn’t the iPhone or iPad
By ForGeeks Apple is preparing a slew of new products for 2025, including the iPhone 17 Slim, the affordable iPhone SE 4 and the iPad Pro with M5. But experts are confident: the key device of the year will be a completely different product.
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HomePod with screen: a breakthrough in the smart home ecosystem
According to recent leaks and predictions, Apple will introduce a HomePod smart speaker with a screen -an entirely new product in its lineup. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device will be an important step toward expanding the company’s role in the smart home segment.
Apple is expected to unveil the HomePod smart speaker with a screen -an entirely new product lineup.
This HomePod is expected to compete with the Amazon Echo Show and offer Apple ecosystem users new features such as video calling via FaceTime, smart device control, media playback and integration with branded services.
Amazon Echo Show and offer Apple ecosystem users new features such as video calling via FaceTime, smart device control, media playback and integration with branded services.
History of the HomePod: from failure to success
The HomePod lineup has come a long way, and success has been far from guaranteed. The first 2018 model was criticized for its high price tag and limited features.
The first model was criticized for its high price and limited features.
In 2020 the HomePod Mini with a more affordable price point was able to partially change the perception of the series, though it briefly squeezed the market leaders.
HomePod 2, released in 2023, has had mixed results: it carved out a niche between affordable speakers and premium solutions, but it hasn’t been a breakthrough. That’s why 2025 could be a watershed year, thanks to the screen version.
HomePod 2.
What will the new HomePod be?”
Apple’s new speaker will get a 6- to 7-inch screen, making it not only a multimedia centerpiece but also a compact alternative to the iPad. According to insiders, the device will have the following features:
The device will have a 6-7-inch screen.
- FaceTime video calls that work without connecting to an iPhone.
- Smart Home Control with support for all compatible Apple Home devices.
- Music and video playback, including streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix.
- Full integration with Siri and Apple’s proprietary apps.
Price and outlook
Although the exact cost of the new HomePod is not yet known, analysts speculate that the speaker with a screen will be more expensive than the Amazon Echo Show 5 ($90), but could be close in price to the Echo Show 8 ($150). Given Apple’s traditional positioning, the device could cost around $200.
And the device could be priced at around $200.
Despite that, Mark Gurman believes that price won’t be a major factor in success. The device won’t just be a speaker with a screen, but Apple’s first step toward deeper penetration into the smart home segment.
Apple’s first step toward a deeper penetration into the smart home segment.
In the long term, the company plans to release an even more innovative HomePod model with support for a robotic stand that will allow the screen to move while following the user around the room. This version will be a powerful tool for video calling and other tasks.
An even more innovative version of the HomePod will be available.
