Rumor: Apple HomePad launches this fall with 7-inch display and magnetic wall mount

Rumors have been circulating for months that Apple will soon be launching an alternative to products such as the Amazon Echo Show 8 ($179 on Amazon). The leaker and Apple collector @Kosutami_Ito now claims to have seen a prototype of this supposed Apple HomePad.

According to this, it is an almost square touchscreen with a screen diagonal of around 7 inches, which can be attached to a wall mount using a system reminiscent of MagSafe. Apple is also said to offer a version with a stand reminiscent of a HomePod mini, which could therefore accommodate additional speakers. The device is said to be able to conduct video chats via a front camera, with earlier rumours suggesting that the HomePad can recognize different people in the household via Face ID in order to automatically switch between user profiles.

The Apple HomePad is said to serve as a central hub for controlling smart home devices, with the device also having access to music streaming and podcasts. Widgets can allegedly display useful information such as the weather forecast. According to the leaker's information, the launch is now not planned until autumn 2026 - a delay after earlier rumors spoke of a launch in early 2026. The smart home hub is to have a powerful Apple A18 iPhone processor and will be offered at a price of around 400 euros, making the Apple HomePad unsurprisingly more expensive than comparable products from the competition.