There has been much speculation about what the next version of Apple's HomePod will look like, but according to a new patent, it may be different in the future. apple Insider has discovered a patent filed by Apple that reveals details of a more sound bar-like design of HomePod, revealing details of a HomePod that looks more like a soundbar.

The patent refers to an "audio speaker system" featuring "an ornamental design for an audio speaker system as shown and described." The patent itself is incredibly vague on the actual details, but the speaker itself is different from the HomePod design we have seen so far.

The design showcases a chunky, soundbar-like horizontal speaker rather than the existing vertical smart speaker aesthetic. The speaker is angled upward at the front and appears to be covered with some sort of material, no doubt similar to the fabric used in the HomePod and HomePod Mini.

There also appears to be a circular area in the center. There is no doubt that this is a touchpad of some sort, but it could also be a display of some sort. We have seen display components purported to be from a future HomePod that feature this same circular design.

If this HomePod soundbar ever sees the light of day, it could be incorporated. Or it could be a traditional HomePod touchpad instead; Apple Insider also noted that a port appears to be visible on the back of the speaker.

This could be a place to connect other devices like an Apple TV, or possibly connect the speaker to an existing AV setup. However, the diagram is not very detailed, so it is not clear at this stage what kind of ports might be included.

The biggest issue with the existing HomePods is that they are completely wireless, streaming via Wi-Fi but also supporting Bluetooth and AirPlay from Apple devices. So having these additional ports could be a big win, especially among AV enthusiasts.

Of course, there is no guarantee that this is a HomePod or that it is definitely a product that will be released. It looks like a HomePod of some sort, but it could also be a Beats speaker of some sort, and it could be smaller than the HomePod is expected to be.

Rumors suggest that several versions of the HomePod are in development, including one with a 7-inch iPad-style display. It would not be surprising if a soundbar-inspired version of the smart speaker is one of the new designs Apple has considered. There is no guarantee that it will be available anytime soon, though.

But maybe the horizontal HomePod design will help alleviate the problem of vibrations from the full-size HomePods speaker causing it to leave ugly rings on wooden furniture. That would be something.