Supply Chain Forming for 2025 HomePod With LCD Display

The supply chain for Apple's upcoming HomePod or smart home "Command Center" with an LCD display is increasingly visible as launch approaches, DigiTimes reports.

HomePod Screen FaceTime Redux Blue 1
The paywalled report claims that the device's 7-inch LCD panel will be exclusively supplied by Tianma Microelectronics in China, corroborating other reports dating back to early 2023.

The display panels are believed to cost just $10 each, undercutting other suppliers. Tianma doesn't currently make any displays for existing Apple products, with the company usually opting for the likes of Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE.

DigiTimes adds that Taiwan's Radiant Optoelectronics will handle backlight module production, while China's BYD will be the sole assembly partner.

The device was originally rumored launch in early 2024, but faced repeated delays, initially to late 2024. Supply chain sources claim that Apple issued a shipment schedule targeting a launch in March 2025, but this timeline may have now slipped to the second half of 2025.

Related Roundup: HomePod
Buyer's Guide: HomePod (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

Mr_Ed Avatar
14 weeks ago
Hey, at least now when you say “Siri, turn on the living room lights” and Siri replies, “Here’s what I found on the web for ‘mumble dogface in the banana patch’ “ you’ll be able to read it on a screen.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Zoboomafoo Avatar
14 weeks ago
These renders feel more harmful than helpful.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
14 weeks ago

This will definitely be very successful. I currently have Echo Show's in every room of my house and the garage. In addition I have a HomePod in the gym, living room and upstairs playroom. HomePod mini in my office. I use Amazons devices to control the thermostat, microwave, lights, garage door, sprinkler system, security cameras, window blinds, door locks and all my sensors that work with Smarthings. The display on the Echo Show was deciding factor. I for one would love to swap out all of my Amazon devices for Apple. That's a total of 14 devices that I would replace. There are a few others in my community that are planning to do the same. The idea of integrating my entire home automation to a single platform is extremely appealing. My personal opinion is if you lie it buy, if not, don't.
Most people have very few smart home devices, let alone situations such as yours. I've seen numbers that only 25-35% of US households have any brand of smart home gadgets, of any sort. It'll do alright, but it's not going to be overly successful. Just like Amazon Show and Google Nest Hub are around, but not terribly common or popular. The most common device I've seen is the Amazon Echo pucks, and the nest speakers after that.

No one in our household or extended really uses FaceTime, so this doesn't make much sense for us...and you know Apple isn't going to support any other two-way video chat on these.. ??‍♂️
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ForkHandles Avatar
14 weeks ago
I can see the attraction of a device like this but I can’t get over the idea that an iPhone and a HomePod form a much better solution.

Perhaps it’s good for younger families?

Children may not have iPhones or access to iPads but still want to play their favourite songs.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DickieSmith Avatar
14 weeks ago
I think this will be about as successful as the original HomePod, which is to say 'not very'.

I don't think anyone I know has the Echo Show, or Google equivalent. I know one person with a Facebook Portal, but only because she was given it for free by a friend who worked for Meta. Clearly there are people buying these products or Amazon, Google and Meta wouldn't make them, but its pretty niche and Apple will almost certainly price it too high for that market and unfortunately Siri just isn't good enough to compete for this kind of device.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
HJM.NL Avatar
14 weeks ago

I think this will be about as successful as the original HomePod, which is to say 'not very'.

I don't think anyone I know has the Echo Show, or Google equivalent. I know one person with a Facebook Portal, but only because she was given it for free by a friend who worked for Meta. Clearly there are people buying these products or Amazon, Google and Meta wouldn't make them, but its pretty niche and Apple will almost certainly price it too high for that market and unfortunately Siri just isn't good enough to compete for this kind of device.
I think it’s a big pill to swallow ?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)