Apple’s new ‘HomePad’ is exactly what I want in a home device

1 week ago 4

Apple has a new home device launching early next year, as detailed in an extensive Mark Gurman report. And this as-yet-unnamed ‘HomePad’ sounds like exactly what I want in a smart home product.

Home products have been a niche hobby for Apple

Up until now, Apple’s efforts in the smart home space have always felt lacking.

The company built HomeKit as a platform for home devices. It supported the creation of Matter for a more robust cross-platform ecosystem.

Yet Apple left nearly all creation of home devices to third parties.

The only exceptions, of course, are the Apple TV 4K, HomePod, and HomePod mini.

But all three devices seem like ‘hobby’ products from Apple.

They get some attention from the company, but not much. And none were set up to make home devices a big business for Apple.

With the forthcoming HomePad (my guess at a name), Apple sounds like it’s getting serious about the home.

Features of the upcoming HomePad device

The HomePad looks set to offer versatility and power that’s not available in any other home device.

If you want a quick feature rundown, this Gurman post on X has you covered:

Focus is on Siri, Communication and Home Control
Runs Safari, Music, Notes, and several other Apple apps but no App Store.
The device is touch, but will mostly be operated by voice through Apple Intelligence’s new App Intents feature.
New OS that is a blend of watchOS and iOS StandBy Mode. The UI is dynamic and shifts based on distance.
Size is about two iPhones side by side, with a roughly 6-inch screen. Device has speakers, FaceTime camera and battery.
Apple is working on wall attachments, plus a speaker base for desks, tables, kitchens and nightstands.
There will be a heavy security focus as well as video/audio intercom feature for homes with multiple Apple home devices.
The home screen is customizable with the classic Apple widgets and Apple home controls.
Tapping into video doorbells and video cameras, plus getting security alerts will be a key feature as well.

It’s pretty clear that HomePad will do much more than a HomePod currently can.

The case for buying several HomePads

Gurman says that Apple “hopes it can sell multiple units of the device to consumers, who will place them around the house and use them several times a day.”

For me personally, buying several HomePads makes sense from a home security focus, as it sounds like the built-in camera will function like a HomeKit security camera. I’d love to put cameras in every room of the house, but have never splurged.

HomePad provides a great reason to finally invest, since it can do much more than provide a video feed.

I also love the idea of having StandBy-style widgets and Photos slideshows available at all times on screens throughout my home. Seeing favorite moments pop up at random is an easy surprise and delight feature.

Of course, I should also mention the HomePod-like feature of being able to interact to Siri anywhere in the house. And since the HomePad supports Apple Intelligence, the built-in Siri will be far more useful than what’s currently available on HomePod.

My only slight concern is that the HomePad display sounds fairly small. But my guess is Apple did a lot of testing of screen sizes before settling on the final product. So it likely won’t be an issue, especially if I put a device in every room.

In short, while Apple wanted HomePods to fill every room in users’ homes, the HomePad looks set to truly provide enough value to do that. And hopefully at a price point that makes multiple purchases feasible.

What are your thoughts on the HomePad? Let us know in the comments.