New Apple HomePod With S8 Processor Coming In 2023

Apple will soon be releasing its newest HomePod, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. The device will likely release next year. The new HomePod could feature an updated display and multi-touch functionality.

New HomePod Arriving in 2023: Gurman

Gurman says in his Power On newsletter that Apple is preparing to launch its new HomePod in 2023. The device, codenamed B620, will reportedly be powered by an S8 processor.

To recall, the S8 chip is said to feature in the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 as well. Additionally, the upcoming HomePod smart speaker is rumoured to sport a similar design as its predecessor. The original HomePod has an A8 processor. The HomePod was discontinued last year, three years after its launch. It was replaced by the HomePod mini, which is powered by the S5 processor.

Gurman says in his newsletter, “The HomePod, code-named B620, will run the same S8 chip coming to the watches and will be closer to the original HomePod in terms of size and audio performance rather than a new HomePod mini. The new HomePod will have an updated display on top and there’s even been some talk of multi-touch functionality.”

While the current HomePod mini is a more affordable and versatile device, the original HomePod offers better audio fidelity. The latter offers more features when compared to the mini, such as Dolby Atmos audio, directional audio, and spatial awareness.

Also Read: Apple’s Upcoming AR Headset Could Feature M2 Processor

There’s no word on the price of the upcoming Apple HomePod yet. However, 9to5Mac suggests that the device may be priced below $300 (around ₹23,400). Do note that the original version was priced at $349 when it launched and was available for ₹19,990 when it was finally released in India in 2020.