Apple is actively working on an advanced HomePod model with an LCD display
Rumours that Apple is developing different versions of the HomePod smart speaker, including one with a display, have been circulating for a while now. And as it turns out, it's true.
Here's What We Know
Insider Kosutami showed in social networks photos of several prototypes of unannounced HomePod. The most interesting looks the prototype codenamed B720 - a speaker with a small touchscreen display on top.
9to5Mac's sources confirm that Apple is indeed working on such a speaker. And we're talking about a new product, not something the company has experimented with in the past.
In order to add a fully functional display, Apple rewrote some tvOS apps to work on different display formats. As a result, the HomePod uses a modified version of tvOS without a user interface.
There is evidence in the tvOS 17 code that Apple Music and Apple Podcasts are the first apps to be rewritten for compatibility with the new display format.
In any case, it's just a prototype for now, but we hope Apple successfully completes development and unveils an updated version of the HomePod soon.
Source: 9to5Mac, @KosutamiSan