A new text unearthed in the fourth beta of iOS 26 has sparked speculation that Apple’s long-rumored HomePod with a display may be on its way to market. The finding, reported by MacRumors, reveals a piece of code stating “Your HomePod won’t be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area.” This phrase is unusual given that current HomePod and HomePod mini models lack screens, leading some to interpret its use as an indicator of on-screen text.
The device has been rumored since 2021, with reported delays including one in December 2024. Analysts attribute the delay primarily to software development issues, particularly concerning Apple’s ambitious AI technology, dubbed “Apple Intelligence.” If this is indeed the cause, it could prolong the product’s launch timeline. However, the text’s possible reference to displaying data on an iPhone or other device via notification keeps this a possibility rather than a guarantee, at least for now.
Source: https://appleinsider.com/articles/25/07/22/rumored-homepod-with-screen-gets-an-indirect-nod-in-ios-26