The rumor: Apple isn’t anywhere close to throwing in the towel on the HomePod line just yet, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).
- Apple is reportedly working on new HomePod “speakers with screens and cameras” but also notes that they aren’t coming out for some time
- Prior to last week’s discontinuation, Apple was planning an updated version of HomePod for release sometime in 2022
Our take: As critical as I have been of HomePod and HomePod mini, I want Apple to continue to make an effort in the home. It would be fascinating to see what these prototypes look like, because right now I’m just picturing an iPad-speaker of sorts. Doesn’t seem like these next speakers are coming out for at least a year or two, though.