An artist’s rendition of a HomePod with a display
South Korean press unexpectedly claims that Apple’s anticipated new HomePod with a display will use high-quality OLED screens, all of which are to be manufactured in China.
The much-rumored HomePod with a built-in screen has most recently been predicted to be launched in the second half of 2025. But Chinese display firm Tianma is said to have already got the exclusive order, and will be making OLED screens.
According to Seoul Economic Daily, the company is believed to be planning screens of between 6 inches and 7 inches, and using the low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) version of OLED. Reportedly, this is also the first time that a Chinese company has gained an exclusive contract, beating South Korean rivals.
Reportedly Tianma is able to provide the HomePod screens at a cost between $10 and $15 less than Korean firms.
“The previous generation of HomePods did not gain much popularity, and the products introduced this time are also new form factors, so we have no choice but to pay attention to price competitiveness,” an unspecified industry spokesperson said (in translation). “[With] LTPS, the gap between Korea and China is relatively small, and the cost-effective Chinese products would have been attractive.”
It’s claimed that Apple is working with Chinese firms to help them lower costs through technology innovations. As part of this effort, Apple is said to have opened four display research centers, in Beijing, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Shanghai.
Perhaps as a consequence of this, the Seoul Economic Daily also reports that China’s BOE display firm is to be one supplier of OLED screens for the MacBook Pro within two to three years.
The exclusive use of a Chinese firm for the HomePod, though, is particularly significant as Apple continues to move away from its over-reliance on China as its sole source for many components and devices. It’s also significant as US/China trade tensions are continuing.
However, while the sources say that the new HomePod will use the lower-cost LTPS version of OLED, it still seems overkill for a screen that will presumably only be glanced at. Apple is expected to make this device into a Home Hub, which would mean displaying HomeKit controls, but the screen still won’t be looked at as much as an iPhone or iPad.
Seoul Economic Daily does not have any noticeable track record in reporting Apple leaks. However, it claims to have sources within the display supply chain.
