Apple has given two indications of a new HomePod since Monday. On the one hand, there is a new model name in the current iOS 16 beta, and on the other, in the video “Platforms State of the Union” it appears that, in the background, there’s an object that could be a larger HomePod mini.
New model name appears
In the current beta of iOS16, a new model name has appeared that indicates a previously unreleased HomePod. While the original HomePod model named “AudioAccessory1”, with the HomePod mini named “AudioAccessory5”, 9to5mac could find references to a new model called “AudioAccessory6” in the code for iOS 16.
Most recently, Ming-Chi-Kuo reported that a new HomePod in the 4th Quarter 2022 or 1. Quarter 2023 is to be released. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg also reported that Apple is testing a combination of HomePod and Apple TV.
The placement of a possible new HomePod in the “Platforms State of the Union” video seems almost too obvious. From minute 44:03, there is an object in the blurred background that could be a larger HomePod mini.
If this is actually a new HomePod, Apple has definitely placed the hint there on purpose. The videos are precisely planned and each decorative object is carefully selected. However, the round shape, which is also round upwards, speaks against a new HomePod. As you know, HomePod mini has a touch-sensitive display on the top, which interrupts the sphere shape there.