Apple's answer to the Echo Show could still arrive this year

Apple's product range is certainly no slouch. Whether you're a fan of its iPhones, MacBooks or iPads, there's certainly a lot on offer from the Cupertino-based company.

One of its products which enjoys more of a cult following is the Apple HomePod. It's smart speaker offers a lot of features which Apple fans can enjoy, all packaged in a suitably stylish case.

Now, rumours suggest that range could get a significant overhaul – and it's set to happen this year. That's according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who has cemented himself as one of the most prolific Apple insiders in recent years.

In his latest Power On newsletter, he even goes as far as calling it Apple's most significant release of the year. The product in question has been heavily rumoured before now – a home hub with a seven-inch screen.

Reports suggest that would be capable of controlling different apps and devices, making Facetime calls and more. Gurman purports that this initial model will be like a cheaper iPad, with a more premium model to follow in the coming years.

That's an interesting approach. Generally, Apple starts with the most premium variant of a product line, before stripping away the unnecessary parts for a more budget-conscious version. We've seen that approach with the Apple Vision Pro, where a more cost-effective model has already been touted.

It also marks a significant moment for the brand's smart home offerings. While Apple has had the technology market locked down for a while, it hasn't really made any significant dent in the smart home space. That's a world which is ever-growing, making it a lucrative option for the brand.

With little more known about the product, we'll just have to wait for further details down the line. It will certainly be an interesting move for the brand.