Apple makes device that combines HomePod, Apple TV and FaceTime

Apple is going to expand its smart home plans. The company is rumored to be working on a new device that combines the functionality of the HomePod and Apple TV.

‘Apple builds HomePod with Apple TV functions’

The rumor comes from Mark Gurman, one of the most reliable journalists when it comes to Apple rumours. The sources of the Bloombergjournalist say that Apple wants to invest more in smart home, with a brand new product playing a central role.

This product looks set to become the ultimate HomeKit accessory as it combines the elements of multiple devices. On the one hand, there is the high-quality audio quality that we know from the HomePod and HomePod mini, supplemented with the functionality of the Apple TV.

Because there is a screen on the device and a built-in camera, you can also make FaceTime calls with the device. Handy if you want to talk to a family member who doesn’t have an iPhone.

According to Gurman, Apple made minimal adjustments to the Apple TV at the beginning of this year, because the company has bigger plans for the TV cabinet. Now that the larger HomePod has also been canceled and no longer sold, the focus now seems to be on this new device.

When will this HomePod Apple TV combo come out?

The device is still in the ‘early development phase’, but Apple has plenty of competitors to look at. With the Nest Hub, Google already has a similar device with a built-in screen, speaker and with which you can open music, videos and other apps with the push of a button.

If the rumors are true, this is one of the most versatile devices Apple has made in a long time. It is not yet known when it will eventually appear. Because the accessory is still in the development phase, we don’t expect to see it until the end of 2022 at the earliest.

→ Read more: HomePod mini review: compact speaker is interesting for real Apple fans