Apple is rumored to be developing a new HomePod with a screen, according to a new report from 9to5Mac. The report is based on images of a prototype HomePod with a large touchscreen sensor at the top that was shared by a leaker known as “Kosutami.“

Kosutami has previously shared accurate pre-release information about Apple products, so the images are likely to be legitimate. 9to5Mac also claims to have verified the legitimacy of the images with its own sources.

The HomePod with a screen is codenamed B720 and is a reportedly new product being actively worked on by Apple. 9to5Mac report suggests that the LcdUTest app shown on the assembled HomePod’s display panel is an internal app used by engineers to test the new display.

The outlet says that Apple may be rewriting some of the tvOS apps so they can run on the new HomePod display. Apple Music and Apple Podcasts are the first apps being rewritten to be compatible with the new display, which will show a blurred animation based on the colors of the album art when a song or podcast is playing.

This is not the first time we have heard rumors about a HomePod with a screen. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman was the first to suggest in 2021 that Apple is working on new HomePods with displays and cameras. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also claimed earlier this year that Apple plans to release a redesigned HomePod with a 7-inch display in the first half of 2024.

It is unclear what other features the new HomePod with screen will have, or how it will be priced. However, it is clear that Apple is interested in developing new smart home products with displays. This could be a way for Apple to differentiate its HomePod products from other smart speakers on the market, and to make them more useful for users.

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