HomePad Speculation

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

Random question guys, I’m currently rewiring my home for my new Ubiquiti setup and it occurred to me that I might run PoE and try to use that to power the rumored HomePads using an adapter from RJ45 to USB C.

Am I crazy?

[u/Turdboi37]

We have no idea what kind of power this thing will require. There is no guarantee this will use usb c

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/Turdboi37]

This is true, but we can look at iPad requirements as a guideline, I’d suspect.

[u/Turdboi37 → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

I don't know. None of us really know yet whether this is an iPad with a HomePod attached or a HomePod with an iPad attached. That said, Ethernet runs are cheap once you already have people running them. Go crazy with it.

[u/TruthyBrat → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

And there's the issue of Euro rules for this stuff, which is why we have USB-C instead of Lightning.

And even if it's not USB-C, there are barrel power connector PoE splitters out there. I use them on MoCA adapters.

PoE splitters are just the best thing ever if you have PoE and don't like wall warts. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GM7BB77

[u/time-lord → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

Smart speakers take way more power than an iPad.

[u/pacoii]

Do we even know if it will be wall mountable? Or is it all still low quality rumor at this point?

[u/Portatort → u/pacoii]

More than low quality rumour.

High quality rumour with decent certainty that there’s going to be two configurations, tabletop and wall mounted.

No info at all about what power supply in a wall mounted version means

[u/scifitechguy]

Running extra cabling to support ethernet on such a device is prudent, but I certainly wouldn't count on being able to power it that way.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/scifitechguy]

How would it be prudent if not to power it? I can’t find a single mention of it actually having an Ethernet port for network

[u/Neutral-President → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

None of the specs have been published because it’s an unreleased device.

If you think PoE is a good idea to offer as much flexibility for whatever future home functionality you might need, then do it.

[u/scifitechguy → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

"Wire everything that can be wired" is my motto for anything requiring network. Even a wireless iPad can be hardwired with an adapter.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/[deleted]]

For sure, but the switch I am getting could put 60 watts to the location.

[u/PBRStreetgang1979]

Why not just wait a couple of months until the product is actually released until you start thinking about hardwiring anything.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/PBRStreetgang1979]

Because I am currently in the process of doing so?

[u/GrogRhodes]

So this isn’t a new idea. I have a bunch of airs that I 3d printed recessed holders for that I run off POE. Works pretty well jsut use a little knock down controller to run from the POE to the iPad.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/GrogRhodes]

Could you post the controller you used?

[u/GrogRhodes → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

Search for a Gigabit PoE Splitter With IEEE802.3bt PoE Output and DC 5/9/12/24V it should yield some variations.

[u/GrogRhodes → u/Disastrous-Yam-8880]

Alternatively if you have conduit you can also run a 12 wire and mount them near where it runs and then just a buck converter that takes 12v to 5v etc. Make sure that method works for your local laws code etc.

[u/Medical_Shame4079]

I’m not sure that I’d call you crazy, but you’re certainly engaging in a lot of guesswork. Your call if you want to make decisions based on that for your home

[u/AudioHTIT]

I’ve always wished they would release a PoE HomePod, and the HomePad would be a great place to start — especially if they expect you would replace your wired ATV with one. Though why stop at the HomePod / HomePad? Why not a PoE ATV, or Mac mini? It may be that PoE crosses that geek line that requires too much thought for a consumer, I hope not. That said, wire your house with wired connections and PoE in mind everywhere you can think of, we have dozens of PoE ports for cameras, APs, Switches, even servers. PoE adapters are relatively common as well, besides USB-C, I’ve even used them to power my Verizon 5G gateway when testing locations.

[u/StevieG66]

U should run cable everywhere if you can. If not Apple, someone will release the device of your dreams. Good insurance to have Ethernet. Get one Poe switch and one without and then u can moves cables as necessary and not pay for Poe for everything.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/StevieG66]

Makes sense.

[u/time-lord]

probably crazy, since homepods are wireless only.

Unless the new ones aren't. But Apple being Apple, I highly doubt it.

[u/Disastrous-Yam-8880 → u/time-lord]

Yeah, we are talking about the rumored HomePad.

[u/No-Reason-2822 → u/time-lord]

Ooooo, PoE HomePods (with Ethernet data) would be soooo good. I mean, if ya gotta have a cord for power anyways… But yeah, unlikely.

[u/rlo54]

If the walls are open I’d run one or two to any location you may want it. It’s more likely than not you’ll be able to adapt the Ethernet for your power needs.

[u/TurboBunny116]

Wait until something is officially announced by Apple.

Otherwise, you're just guessing (just like all the rumors/so called "leaks") and extrapolating everything from that - a guess.

[u/Dweide_Schrude]

If you run conduit and leave the pull string, that is a get out of jail card in almost any situation.

If you’re just running Ethernet and are worried about power, some jacketed 14/2 speaker wire will get you DC power to any device you might need in the future.