Apple HomePod: Prototype third-generation smart speaker spotted with touchscreen display

Earlier this year, Apple released the second-generation HomePod, a curious upgrade over the original discontinued model. As we discussed at the time, the HomePod 2 does not improve upon its predecessor in all areas. For example, Apple equipped the newer model with an older modem that downgraded it from WiFi 5 to WiFi 4 connectivity. Additionally, Apple removed two of the original HomePod's seven tweeters, another curious change.

Subsequently, Ming-Chi Kuo alleged that Apple had been developing a third-generation HomePod with a built-in touchscreen display. At the time, Kuo claimed that Apple was targeting a 2024 release for the device, albeit without providing any further details. However, Apple collector @KosutamiSan has somehow obtained photos of a HomePod 3 prototype, codenamed B720.

For now, the inclusion of a touchscreen display appears to be the only major area distinguishing it from the current model. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is hoping to optimise tvOS apps for the small display, with evidence of this already showing in iOS 17 for Apple Music and Apple Podcasts. Theoretically, the display could show other contextual elements too, such as metadata or app/call controls. Purportedly, Apple is actively developing the HomePod B720, although it is not thought to have set a release date yet.

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