GoKawiilis a technology reporter who has been covering the industry since 2007. He co-hosts the Waveform podcast with MKBHD. A former engineer, he now specializes in topics like computational photography and social media protocols.
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For years, we’ve heard rumors of a new home hub device from Apple, meant to take on smart home devices like the Google Nest Hub Mini and Amazon’s Echo Show. Besides “HomePod with a screen,” details have been sparse. But now, a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman sheds some light on the alleged device, as well as a potential release window.
According to Gurman, the new smart hub will feature a 7-inch square display and a brand-new operating system based on Apple’s tvOS, with “grids of icons, widgets and apps” reminiscent of iOS and even WatchOS. It will reportedly feature the revamped Siri AI at its core, along with video chat, security, and intercom features that communicate with other Apple Home devices. Gurman says the device will also be able to automatically personalize the interface, including text and icon size, depending on who is looking at the display.
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The rumored device is part of a larger push into the smart home for Apple, which previously relied mostly on third-party accessories to compete in the space at all. But with its enhanced Siri out in September, the company may finally feel ready to take on the category. Apple was reportedly supposed to reveal the smart home display in Spring 2025, but when the company delayed its AI-upgraded Siri, it moved the launch to line up with the release of iOS 27 and Siri AI.
In addition to the new Home Hub, Apple is said to be readying its own high-end security camera to compete with Amazon’s Ring system, a new Apple TV device, and a new HomePod mini. And later, it may launch its rumored robotic arm with a screen.
Gurman says it’s possible the new devices get pushed again, but he expects an announcement between October and early next year.