Apple’s Next Big Thing: The ‘HomePad’ HomePod with Screen is Coming This Spring, and It’s Everything I’ve Been Waiting For

Apple is gearing up to launch its most exciting smart home product in years, and I can barely contain my enthusiasm. The tech giant’s rumored ‘HomePad’ or ‘HomePod Touch’ is reportedly set to debut this spring, and out of all the 20+ new products Apple has in the pipeline for 2026, this is the one I’m most eager to get my hands on.

A New Chapter in My Smart Home Journey

After recently moving from a cramped New York City apartment to a spacious suburban home, I’ve been reimagining my entire approach to smart home technology. The transition from city living to a house where I plan to stay long-term has opened up exciting possibilities for expanding my Apple Home ecosystem.

While I’m definitely interested in the rumored Apple security camera and video doorbell, there’s one product that stands head and shoulders above the rest: the HomePad.

What We Know About the HomePad So Far

According to reports, Apple’s HomePad is expected to feature:

• A 7-inch square display perfect for countertop placement
• Support for the next-generation Siri with Apple Intelligence
• Custom homeOS operating system with Apple-made apps
• A built-in camera for video calls and security monitoring
• Seamless integration with the broader Apple ecosystem

I first wrote about this product back in November 2024 when Mark Gurman provided an in-depth look at Apple’s plans. My excitement hasn’t waned one bit—in fact, it’s only grown stronger since moving into my new home.

Everyday Uses That Have Me Counting Down the Days

The HomePad isn’t just another smart speaker—it’s a complete reimagining of what a home hub can be. Here’s how I envision using it in my daily life:

Music with Lyrics, Finally

Music playback is a core feature of any HomePod product, but the HomePad takes it to another level. The ability to display lyrics on-screen while streaming Apple Music is something I’ve been dreaming about. My family loves singing along to our favorite tunes, but without visible lyrics, it can be frustrating. The HomePad solves this perfectly—no more pulling out my iPhone mid-song to find the words.

The Digital Photo Frame I’ve Always Wanted

I’ve always loved the concept of digital photo frames, but I’ve never pulled the trigger on buying one. The hassle of manually uploading photos and managing content has always been a dealbreaker. With the HomePad, I expect seamless integration with Apple Photos, allowing me to set up a screensaver or widget that automatically cycles through my favorite memories. No manual work required—just pure nostalgia on display.

Security and Baby Monitoring Made Simple

The built-in camera on the HomePad opens up a world of possibilities. Whether it’s serving as a security camera to monitor different rooms or functioning as a baby monitor, the versatility is impressive. Factor in HomeKit Secure Video support, and I can easily see myself placing multiple HomePads throughout my home.

Siri, But Actually Smart This Time

Let’s be honest—Siri on current HomePods can be hit or miss. The new Siri with Apple Intelligence promises to be a game-changer. Imagine a voice assistant that actually understands context, can display relevant information visually, and works reliably every time. That’s the future the HomePad represents.

Why the HomePad Matters More Than Ever

The timing for this product couldn’t be better. As smart home technology becomes increasingly central to our daily lives, Apple needs a flagship device that can serve as the command center for everything. The HomePad isn’t just another accessory—it’s positioned to be the brain of the modern smart home.

The 7-inch display strikes the perfect balance between being large enough to be useful for visual information while remaining compact enough to fit comfortably on kitchen counters, nightstands, or entry tables.

Beyond the Basics: The Potential We Can’t Even Imagine Yet

What excites me most about the HomePad is the potential for features we haven’t even thought of yet. Apple has a history of introducing products that create entirely new categories of use cases. The combination of a display, camera, powerful processor, and deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem could lead to innovative applications we can’t yet envision.

The HomePad represents Apple’s most ambitious move into the smart home space yet. It’s not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a fundamental rethinking of how we interact with technology in our homes.

Are you as excited about the HomePad as I am? What features are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below.

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The HomePad isn’t just another product launch—it’s potentially the device that will finally make smart homes accessible and intuitive for everyone. As someone who’s been waiting for Apple to deliver a true home hub, I can confidently say: the wait is almost over, and it’s going to be worth it.

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