A new bit of text unearthed in the fourth beta of iOS 26 might hint that Apple's long-rumored HomePod with a display could be gearing up for its debut.
We've been hearing that Apple's had a HomePod with a screen in the works for quite some time now, though nothing has materialized as of yet. However, we may have just gotten another clue about the yet-unannounced device.
A bit of text within a location-related setting, MacRumors, seems a bit suggestive.
"Your HomePod won't be able to show you the local weather, time, or respond to Siri requests about your area."
The word "show" certainly seems to imply that there would be some on-screen text. Seeing as the current HomePod and HomePod mini lack screens, the use of "show" feels somewhat out of place.
While the device has been rumored since 2021, no such device has appeared — yet. Allegedly, it's faced many delays, with the most recent being in December 2024.
Currently, the reasons for delay are rumored to be on the software development side. Analysts and leakers alike agree that the device will come with Apple Intelligence.
Unfortunately, Apple has faced an uphill battle with its Apple Intelligence rollout. If this were the reason for the device's delay, odds are, it will still be a bit longer before it makes its public debut.
While this is more leak than rumor, we're rating this a possible because the discovered text could be referring to showing data on the user's iPhone or other device via a passed notification. So, it isn't a guarantee it's referring to a HomePod with a display.
