Apple's iconic HomePod may soon undergo a major transformation, departing from its current design to adopt a horizontal sound bar form, as suggested by recent patent filings. Since the launch of the HomePod mini in 2020 and the discontinuation and subsequent revival of the original HomePod, speculation about the product's future has been rife. Despite persistent rumors of a model featuring a large touch screen, the latest insights hint at a different direction.
The newly granted patent, titled "Audio Speaker System," presents a minimalist design characterized by a long, horizontal speaker setup. This design diverges significantly from the HomePod's original cylindrical shape and the compact, spherical HomePod mini. The patent illustrations depict speakers extending horizontally from a central display, presumably for Siri, angled for optimal sound dispersion.
What makes this patent particularly intriguing is the inclusion of various ports on the device's rear, as shown in one drawing labeled "a rear view thereof." This detail suggests potential for external connectivity—a notable departure from current HomePod models, which lack any form of input or output ports except for power.
The size and layout of the device, indicated by the scale of the Siri display, seem to position it closer to the full-sized HomePod rather than the mini version. Additionally, the design shares aesthetic elements with the Beats Pill range, although with notable differences, such as a lack of control surfaces and only a vague resemblance at the back.
While the patent is co-authored by Robert Brunner, former Apple design chief and a notable figure in headphone design for Beats, it's essential to note that the existence of a patent does not necessarily mean the product will reach the market. It does, however, confirm that Apple has invested time into exploring this sound bar configuration for its next HomePod iteration.
As Apple continues to innovate within its audio product line, this potential pivot to a sound bar design could redefine the HomePod's role in home audio systems, emphasizing versatility and connectivity.
