Highlights
- Apple HomePod-style smart home hub with a 7-inch display could launch by the end of this year.
- The device will reportedly include a built-in camera, rechargeable battery, a new homeOS operating system, FaceTime support, deep integration with Siri & HomeKit and full Apple Intelligence compatibility.
- Apple is also developing another smart home device featuring a robotic arm and an advanced AI personality.
Caption – Reports confirm launch timeline for Apple’s Smart Home Hub with display. (Image credit – 9to5Mac)
It has been reported multiple times in the last few months that Apple is working on a new smart home device for a while now. This all-new HomePod-style device is designed to be a central hub for smart homes and will feature a square 7-inch display, Apple Intelligence support and deep integration with Siri and HomeKit. In any case, a new report from one of the trusted Apple sources now confirms the expected launch timeline.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his recent newsletter, reports that we could see it hit the market before the year wraps up. This device might finally launch “by the end of this year” is what Gurman wrote to be precise.
The device was originally supposed to launch in the spring, but delays mainly around Apple’s AI efforts have pushed the timeline back.
Apple’s Smart Home Hub – Why Delay?
The delays reportedly stem from Apple’s earlier AI struggles. The new device was supposed to rely on improved Siri capabilities and App Intents, expected to be ready with iOS 18.4. But technical setbacks pushed things out. Apple has since confirmed that the new Siri features with Apple Intelligence will roll out “in the coming year.”
To help refine the product, Apple even launched an internal testing program earlier this year, allowing select employees to use the device at home.
Some earlier reports had suggested this smart hub might not arrive until 2026. So, if Apple manages to release it by the end of this year, it would be a big shift from those earlier expectations.
Apple’s Smart Home Hub – What to Expect?
Here’s a quick look at what’s rumoured so far –
- A 7-inch square display with thick bezels
- A camera positioned at the top
- A built-in rechargeable battery
- A new operating system called homeOS
- FaceTime and other video-focused features
- Support for a range of Apple apps
- A dashboard similar to StandBy
- Easy smart home control features
- Full support for Apple Intelligence
Another Smart Home Product in the Works
According to Gurman, Apple is also working on a second smart home device, a more advanced display with a robotic arm and a “unique AI personality.” This one is said to be a “major priority at Apple” but is expected to launch a “year or two later.”
To meet that timeline, Apple has apparently “pulled some bolder features” from the robotic version. Gurman says these may return in future hardware upgrades, though no further details are available for now.
FAQs
Q1. When will Apple’s Smart Home Hub launch?
Answer. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that we could see it hit the market “by the end of this year.” Initially, it was supposed to launch in spring 2025, but AI-related setbacks delayed the release.
Q2. What features can we expect in Apple’s Smart Home Hub?
Answer. The device is rumoured to have a 7-inch square display, a built-in camera, rechargeable battery, a new homeOS operating system, FaceTime support, deep integration with Siri & HomeKit, and full Apple Intelligence compatibility.
Q3. Is Apple working on another smart home device?
Answer. Yes, Apple is also developing a more advanced display with a robotic arm and an AI personality, described as a “major priority.” It is expected to launch a year or two after the smart hub’s release.