- The latest iOS 26 developer beta 4 contains a line that uses the word “show” in reference to HomePods.
- This is an interesting discovery given that none of the current HomePods feature a display to show anything.
- It could likely suggest that the next version of the HomePod may feature a display to show you weather, time and other updates.
It’s been two years since Apple introduced the second-generation HomePod, and the product is long overdue for a major refresh. While a new HomePod is reportedly on its way, the latest iOS 26 developer beta gave us a hint that Apple’s next HomePod may feature a display.
The folks at Macrumors managed to find an interesting detail in the latest iOS 26 developer beta 4 . There is a location setting within the new update, which contains the following line: “ Your HomePod won’t be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area. “
What stands out here is the word “show” which might not look like a big deal on the surface. But you factor in the fact that no HomePod currently features a display to show anything. This could mean that Apple’s next HomePod could feature a display, not just to tell you the weather, time, and other information, but to actually display them.
This lines up with recent rumors about a new HomePod featuring a square touch screen instead of a rectangular one. It may let you control all of your HomeKit and Matter devices, acting like a central hub of sorts. Despite the addition of a touch screen, Apple is expected to integrate it with Siri as the main voice assistant. In fact, Macrumors suggests that this HomePod was delayed due to the failure of Siri with Apple Intelligence .
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
- Apple is reportedly planning to launch the iPhone 17e early next year.
- The affordable iPhone may feature the same design as the current iPhone 16e.
- It could include Apple’s A19 processor with a reduced CPU or GPU core count.
Earlier this year, Apple surprised us by launching the iPhone 16e when everyone (including me) was expecting the SE4. It seems like the Cupertino giant wants to continue this rebranded budget series, as a new report says that the company plans to launch the iPhone 17e early next year.
According to Gurman’s report on Bloomberg , Apple will be coming out with the successor to the iPhone 16e early next year. So we can expect it to probably launch around late February or early March. As per the report, the 17e will share the same design as the current iPhone 16e .
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about an upcoming budget iPhone. Korean news outlet The Elec also reported that the device will feature the exact OLED panel as the current device. This could mean that the iPhone 17e might keep the notch, to help it differentiate from the rest of the iPhone 17 lineup.
It could also feature Apple’s upcoming A19 chipset, perhaps with a lower CPU or GPU core count. The current iPhone 16e features a 6.1-inch OLED panel, a notch for the Face ID camera, a single camera on the back, and uses a USB-C port, all for the cost of $599. This could also be the case with the iPhone 17e, bringing only a modest spec bump.
But that is mostly speculation, at this point. Mark Gurman also reported that Apple’s launch schedule includes an entry-level iPad, a new iPad Air, as well as a Mac external display. For now, all eyes are on the upcoming iPhone 17 series that is coming with a new design and the introduction of a new iPhone Air model to the lineup.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
- Apple and Google have officially confirmed their team-up for the next-gen Siri AI.
- The Cupertino Giant will be using Google’s Gemini for a more personalized Siri model as well as Apple Intelligence features.
- We can expect the next-gen Siri to come out with iOS 26.4, sometime in March or April.
Apple has officially confirmed joining forces with Google to use its Gemini AI model to power the next-generation Siri. It will offer a more personalized experience and will be coming out with the iOS 26.4 update. Apple also plans to leverage Gemini’s capabilities for other Apple Intelligence features as well, later down the line.
The Next-Gen Siri will be powered by Google’s Gemini AI
Apple officially confirmed that it will be partnering with Google in a statement to CNBC . Here’s what it stated, “After careful evaluation, we determined that Google’s technology provides the most capable foundation for Apple Foundation Models, and we’re excited about the innovative new experiences it will unlock for our users.”
Later, Google also shared a post on X confirming the tie-up, “Apple and Google have entered into a multi-year collaboration under which the next generation of Apple Foundation Models will be based on Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. These models will help power future Apple Intelligence features, including a more personalized Siri coming this year.”
Image Credit: X/@NewsFromGoogle
Both statements clearly mention that the Cupertino Giant will be using Gemini to power its assistant Siri. This was already rumored, as Apple’s attempts to acquire Perplexity went nowhere. With Gemini, Siri will get a major AI update . It will be able to handle more nuanced conversations and provide better results. Something long-time Apple users have been asking for years.
The next-gen Siri will arrive with the iOS 26.4 update, which will launch sometime in March or April. And it is only going to be available for Apple Intelligence-supported devices .
Something else worth noting is how Google’s statement mentions that Gemini will power Apple Intelligence features. This leads us to believe that Apple could use Gemini’s multi-modal capabilities for its Writings tools , Image Playground , and Message summaries, too.
Elon Musk Not Happy With Apple and Google Tie Up
xAI CEO Elon Musk also responded to Google’s announcement post on X, sharing his thoughts on the matter by saying, “This seems like an unreasonable concentration of power for Google, given that they also have Android and Chrome.” Though we don’t expect either Apple or Google to respond to Elon, we will update the situation as it progresses.
It is worth noting that xAI is the company behind Grok, which is in hot water currently due to its inappropriate image generation fiasco , and has been getting backlash from multiple news outlets, X users, and even government authorities.
With over 4 year of experience under the belt, I cover all facets of consumer tech, from smartphones to other consumer electronics, our favorite social media apps, as well as the growing realm of AI and LLMs. As an Apps and AI writer app Beebom, I provide my expertise in all these areas, weaving stories that help you get familiar with the tech around you. But you will find me playing NYT daily puzzles in my free time.
Add new comment
Name
Email ID
Δ
