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)

Popular Stories

Apple Wallet ID Illinois

Apple Plans to Expand iPhone Driver's Licenses to These 7 U.S. States

Wednesday December 24, 2025 8:40 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iPhone Top Left Hole Punch Face ID Feature Purple

iPhone 18 Pro Launching Next Year With These 12 New Features

Tuesday December 23, 2025 8:36 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another nine months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models. The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras Under-screen Face ID Front camera in...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These 8 New Features to Your iPhone

Monday December 22, 2025 8:47 am PST by
Earlier this month, Apple released iOS 26.2, following more than a month of beta testing. It is a big update, with many new features and changes for iPhones. iOS 26.2 adds a Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics in Apple Music, and more. Below, we have highlighted a total of eight new features. Liquid Glass Slider on Lock Screen A new slider in the Lock...
maxresdefault

Where's the New Apple TV?

Monday December 22, 2025 11:30 am PST by
Apple hasn't updated the Apple TV 4K since 2022, and 2025 was supposed to be the year that we got a refresh. There were rumors suggesting Apple would release the new Apple TV before the end of 2025, but it looks like that's not going to happen now. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said several times across 2024 and 2025 that Apple would...
maxresdefault

10 Mac Apps Worth Trying in 2026

Wednesday December 24, 2025 9:27 am PST by
2026 is almost upon us, and a new year is a good time to try out some new apps. We've rounded up 10 excellent Mac apps that are worth checking out. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Alt-Tab (Free) - Alt-Tab brings a Windows-style alt + tab thumbnail preview option to the Mac. You can see a full window preview of open apps and app windows. One Thing (Free) -...
Foldable iPhone 2023 Feature Iridescent Search

Samsung Developing 'Wide Fold' With iPhone Fold-Like Design Ahead of Apple's 2026 Launch

Tuesday December 23, 2025 11:55 am PST by
Samsung is working on a new foldable smartphone that's wider and shorter than the models that it's released before, according to Korean news site ETNews. The "Wide Fold" will compete with Apple's iPhone Fold that's set to launch in September 2026. Samsung's existing Galaxy Z Fold7 display is 6.5 inches when closed, and 8 inches when open, with a 21:9 aspect ratio when folded and a 20:18...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA

Monday December 22, 2025 3:20 pm PST by
The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to European users and developers. The Digital Markets Act requires Apple to provide third-party accessories with the same capabilities and access to device features that Apple's own products get. In iOS...
iphone fold 3d print

Have a 3D Printer? You Can Make Your Own iPhone Fold Dummy

Tuesday December 23, 2025 1:31 pm PST by
Apple is working on a foldable iPhone that's set to come out in September 2026, and rumors suggest that it will have a display that's around 5.4 inches when closed and 7.6 inches when open. Exact measurements vary based on rumors, but one 3D designer has created a mockup based on what we've heard so far. On MakerWorld, a user named Subsy has uploaded a 1:1 iPhone Fold replica (via Macworld), ...
iPhone SE Cosmopolitan Clean

Apple Discontinued These 25 Products This Year

Wednesday December 24, 2025 7:24 am PST by
With the end of 2025 near, the time has come to look back at the devices and accessories that Apple discontinued throughout the year. Most of the products that were discontinued this year were simply replaced by a new model with an updated chip. However, the iPhone SE line was entirely discontinued when the iPhone 16e launched, and the iPhone Plus line is being phased out. Below, we have...

Top Rated Comments

Mr_Ed Avatar
12 months 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
12 months ago
These renders feel more harmful than helpful.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WarmWinterHat Avatar
12 months 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
12 months 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
12 months 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)
9081094 Avatar
12 months 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)