We’ve heard about the HomePod with a screen for so long that it seems like an urban legend, but the code usually doesn’t lie. Or at least they don’t usually invent products out of thin air. Internal structure leak iOS 26 spotted by MacWorld revealed references to a device called the J490. There will be a screen, it will be for home and everything points to the fact that this will be the premiere of Apple’s new strategy to fill our homes.
A HomePod with a screen is already visible behind the J490
The code refers to a device with an A18 chip. This is very important not for pure gaming power, but for compatibility with Apple Intelligence and all the capabilities of the future Siri. According to the traces found, this HomePad (or HomePod with a screen) will have a about a seven-inch screen and an ultra-wide-angle camera with center stage.
But there’s a detail in the code that catches my eye: references to advanced biometric identification. It doesn’t seem simple Personal ID to unlock, but a system capable of detecting who is in the room to adapt the interface. The device will know that you are approaching, not your partnerand it will automatically show you your calendars or music playlists.
Next to this “hub”, dl the code also links to a mystery accessory (J229). It doesn’t look like a stand-alone computing device (like the iPad or the J490 itself), but rather an accessory.
The structures found suggest that this device has presence sensors, the ability to detect audible alarms (something that modern HomePods already do) and, most importantly, image capture. Everything points to the fact that we are facing this security camera or smart doorbell.
Also found is a HomePod mini 2 with an S10 chip and a possible second-generation AirTag with better placement. Everything seems to be evening out very busy spring 2026.
The missing piece: Siri, which (finally) works
This HomePod with a screen has gone through several launch windows. In fact, it was originally scheduled to launch in 2025. However, here we are in December 2025 and no HomePad. Because what? Good hardware isn’t much use if, when you ask Siri for something, it tells you it can’t find that light or plays you a song that has nothing to do with it. And this is where the other half of the equation comes into play.
We know that Apple had to make a difficult but necessary decision: to become an ally of Google. The new Siri we expect for iOS 26.4 will have the Gemini engine under the hood. We won’t see the Google logo anywhere. Apple’s strategy was to pay a million (they’re talking about a billion a year) to use Gemini’s intelligence, but run it on Apple’s own Silicon servers with a level of privacy.
Here is the finished HomePod with a screen (or HomePad) will already have everything you need: very good hardware and the right Siri.
- A camera with a central frame1080p quality.
- System Face ID-type facial recognition which will allow you to determine who is in the room to tailor the content.
- Compatibility with the new Siri and Apple Intelligence thanks to the A18 chip.
HomePod release date with screen
If software tells us the “what,” the supply chain tells us the “when.” And that’s where something unusual in Apple’s recent history comes into play: the entry of BYD as a primary manufacturing partner.
We are talking about A Chinese giant that competes head-to-head with Tesla in the electric vehicle market, and who will be responsible for assembling this new device. Production is reportedly in Vietnam.
HomePod with screen will be manufactured in BYD Vietnam
As for launch times, We won’t know the new Siri with iOS 26.4 until Aprilso at least we’ll have to wait until this month to see a HomePod with a screen. Another possibility would be already at WWDC together with iOS 27, as the original HomePod was introduced. A good opportunity to make more “noise” and get developer support.
Either in April or in Juneall that’s clear is that 2026 is a “now or never” year for Apple’s home automation. They’ve got the hardware (J490), they’ve got an industrial partner (BYD), and thanks to the Google deal, it looks like they’ll finally get the intelligence they need. We just need to make room for him on the entrance table.
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