Rumored new HomePod expected to launch in 2023

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicts that Apple’s reported new full-size HomePod would be released in 2019. Gurman had earlier this year claimed that Apple was developing an improved form of the speaker to replace the first generation, which was discontinued last year.

Gurman writes that “next year should be pretty jam-packed for Apple” in the most recent issue of his weekly Power On newsletter. According to the reporter, the iPhone manufacturer may announce a new HomePod/Apple TV duo device that includes a FaceTime camera to create an experience akin to the Facebook Portal by Meta.

Regarded industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated in May that he thought a new HomePod was in development. However, code from Apple’s first developer beta of iOS 16 was found to contain references to an unreleased model named “AudioAccessory6,” which seemed to confirm the existence of a new version of the Siri smart speaker.

Following Kuo’s report in the spring, Gurman later confirmed it, claiming that the new speaker will be comparable in size to the 6.8-inch tall model first introduced in 2018. Gurman also claimed that the top of the speaker would feature an updated display that might support multi-touch functionality. Gurman later claimed that Apple was considering an updated HomePod mini, which is unlikely to offer anything “super-impressive.”