Apple today released the third beta of its upcoming tvOS 17.4 update, and that code contains references to a future HomePod smart speaker that boasts a display, according to a report from 9to5Mac. The site says the code shows evidence of a device with a “Z314” identifier powered by an A15 chip. Both production and “internal” versions of the device are being tested by Apple.
Based on our findings, the unreleased “Z314” device is powered by an A15 Bionic chip, which interestingly is the same as the iPad mini 6. Code reveals that there are internal development and also production versions of this product under test, which suggests that it may have reached an advanced stage of development.
The latest beta also reportedly adds SwiftUI frameworks to the HomePod firmware to support a HomePod with a display.
There have been several rumors about a new HomePod sporting a touchscreen display. Those rumors are from reliable sources, including well-connected Apple industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. In March 2023, Kuo said Apple will debut a redesigned HomePod sporting a 7-inch during the first half of 2024.
Kuo says Apple will unveil a redesigned HomePod boasting a 7-inch panel in “1H24,” with Tianma as the exclusive panel supplier. He went on to say that the new HomePod could enable tighter integration with Apple’s other hardware products, marking a significant shift in the company’s smart home strategy.
So far, Apple’s HomePod models have been powered by the same chips used in the Apple Watch, not the A-series chips that power Apple’s iPhone. This means that 9to5Mac’s discovery of the mention of the A15 Bionic chip means there is a change on the way. However, it should also be noted that the latest Apple Watch, the Series 9, is powered by the S9 chip, which is based on the A15 Bionic, so that chip may be used in a new HomePod model.
