Apple HomePod Next: What to Expect

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The next Apple HomePod is expected to be a successor to the full-size HomePod (2nd generation) that launched in 2023, likely arriving in late 2025 or early 2026. You can expect a continued focus on audio quality, deeper integration with Apple Intelligence, and a possible new display on top of the speaker.

Background: The HomePod Lineup So Far

Apple’s smart speaker history is short but eventful. The original HomePod debuted in 2018, was discontinued in 2021, and then revived as the HomePod (2nd generation) in 2023. The smaller HomePod mini has remained the budget option since 2020. The next full-size HomePod will likely build on the 2023 model, which already features a temperature and humidity sensor, a U1 ultra-wideband chip, and support for Matter smart home accessories. Apple has been rumored to be working on a new model that adds a screen, but the company has not confirmed any details.

What the Next HomePod Might Include

Based on Apple’s recent patents, supply chain reports, and the direction of its software, the next HomePod could include:

Apple Intelligence integration: Siri is expected to become more conversational and capable, with the ability to handle multi-step requests and use on-device processing for privacy.
A small display: Rumors suggest a touchscreen or a simple LED display on top of the speaker to show album art, notifications, or weather icons. This would not be a full iPad-like screen but more like a smart display widget.
Improved audio: The next model may include a new tweeter array or a more powerful bass driver, though the 2023 model already sounds excellent for its size.
Better microphones: With Apple Intelligence, Siri needs to hear you clearly even in noisy rooms, so a new beam-forming microphone array is likely.
Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7: The current HomePod supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) and Thread, which is fine for audio but not for high-bandwidth tasks like video calls or streaming large files. An upgrade would future-proof the device.

How It Will Work with Apple Intelligence

Apple Intelligence is the company’s suite of AI features that includes writing tools, image generation, and a more natural Siri. On a HomePod, this could mean:

You can ask Siri to summarize the news, control multiple smart home devices in one command, or create a shopping list that syncs with your iPhone.
Siri might be able to recognize different voices and provide personalized responses, like playing your favorite playlist or reading your calendar.
On-device processing will keep your requests private, but complex tasks may be sent to Apple’s servers with your permission.

To use these features, you will need an iPhone or iPad with an A12 Bionic chip or later, and you must have Siri enabled. The HomePod will act as a hub for your smart home, so it will also need to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your other Apple devices.

How to Choose: HomePod vs. HomePod mini

If you are deciding between the next full-size HomePod and the HomePod mini, consider these factors:

Room size: The full-size HomePod fills a large living room with sound, while the mini is better for a bedroom or office.
Audio quality: The full-size model has a larger woofer and more tweeters, so it delivers deeper bass and clearer highs.
Price: The HomePod mini is significantly cheaper, making it an easier entry point, especially if you want multiple speakers.
Smart home hub: Both can act as a Thread border router and Matter controller, so the mini is sufficient for basic automation.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the HomePod is just a speaker for Apple Music. In reality, it can play audio from many apps, including Spotify, Pandora, and podcasts, via AirPlay. You can also use it as a speakerphone for calls and as an intercom system. Another issue users report is that Siri sometimes struggles with multiple commands. For example, saying “Hey Siri, set the thermostat to 72 degrees and turn off the lights” might only execute one part. The next HomePod is expected to handle such compound requests better with Apple Intelligence. Another problem is that the HomePod requires an Apple device to set up, so it is not a good choice for Android users. Also, the current HomePod has a fixed power cable, so you cannot use it as a portable speaker.

Comparisons: Apple HomePod vs. Smart Displays

If the next HomePod gains a display, it will compete with devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. However, Apple’s approach is likely to be more minimal. Instead of a full screen with apps, the HomePod display might show just a clock, album art, or weather. This keeps the focus on audio and avoids turning the device into a tablet. Apple has also been rumored to be working on a separate wall-mounted smart display, so the HomePod’s screen might be limited to essential information.

Cost and Availability

Apple does not announce prices until the product is ready to ship. The 2023 HomePod started at $299 in the US, and the next model could be similar or slightly higher if it adds a display. The HomePod mini is $99. Availability will likely start in the US, UK, Australia, and other major markets, with a gradual rollout to other countries. There is no official release date, but analysts have predicted a launch alongside the iPhone 17 series in September 2025 or a spring 2026 event.

Safety and Compatibility

As with all Apple devices, the next HomePod will meet safety standards for electrical and wireless devices. It will likely require a 15W or 20W power adapter, but it may come with one in the box. The HomePod is designed to be placed on a flat surface, and you should avoid covering it with fabric or placing it near water. It is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation or later), iPhone 8 or later, and iPad Pro, iPad (5th generation or later), or iPad Air (3rd generation or later) with iOS 17 or later. For Apple Intelligence features, you will need an iPhone 15 Pro or later, or an iPad with an M1 chip or later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the next HomePod work with non-Apple music services?

Yes, you will be able to use AirPlay to stream audio from any app that supports it, including Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. However, Siri can only control Apple Music natively. For other services, you may need to use the app on your iPhone to select music and then AirPlay it to the HomePod.

Can I use the next HomePod as a TV speaker?

You can use it as an audio output for an Apple TV, and two HomePods can be paired as a stereo pair for a more immersive experience. However, it is not a replacement for a soundbar because it lacks an HDMI input and cannot decode Dolby Atmos from all sources. The Apple TV 4K can send Atmos audio to HomePods, but you need to set it up correctly.

Will the next HomePod have a battery?

No, the HomePod is designed to be plugged in at all times. It does not have a battery, so you cannot move it around the house without unplugging it. If you need a portable speaker, consider the Beats Pill or a Bluetooth speaker.

Is the HomePod worth it if I have an Android phone?

Probably not. The HomePod requires an Apple device for setup and most features, including Siri, smart home control, and Apple Music, are tied to Apple’s ecosystem. You could use AirPlay from an Android device with a third-party app, but the experience is limited.

What happens to the old HomePod models when the new one comes out?

Apple typically keeps the previous generation on sale at a reduced price, but it may also discontinue it. The HomePod mini is likely to remain in the lineup as the budget option. If you are on a tight budget, the mini is still a good choice, but if you want the best sound, wait for the new model.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.