Hartley Charlton
The supply chain for Apple's upcoming HomePod, or LCD-equipped smart home “Control Center,” is becoming increasingly visible as the launch approaches, according to DigiTimes.
A paid report claims the device's 7-inch LCD panel will be supplied exclusively by Tianma Microelectronics in China, confirming other reports dating back to early 2023.
The display panels are believed to cost as little as $10 each, undercutting other suppliers' prices. Tianma currently does not manufacture displays for existing Apple products, as the company typically opts for companies like Samsung Display, LG Display, and BOE.
DigiTimes adds that Taiwanese company Radiant Optoelectronics will handle the backlight module production, while China's BYD will be the sole assembly partner.
The device was initially rumored to launch in early 2024, but has faced multiple delays, initially to late 2024. Supply chain sources claim that Apple released a shipping schedule targeting a March 2025 launch, but that may now have slipped to the second half of 2025.
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