Image credit: @pwign on X
Apple’s long-expected smart home hub will launch in the fall of 2026, according to the well-known leaker “Kosutami.” If the prediction is correct, that means the new hub, dubbed by many as the “HomePad,” will be released during Apple’s busiest part of the year.
Kosutami’s prediction came in a short new post on X (Via MacRumors):
It is believed that Apple has been working on a smart home hub for several years, which would offer centralized control for smart home products, while also allowing a user to listen to music and podcasts, make video calls, and get information at a glance, like the weather and calendar events.
The new smart home hub is expected to resemble a HomePod with a screen, including a 6-inch or 7-inch display, a front-facing camera, an A18 chip, and Apple Intelligence support.
Some observers say there may be two versions, with one designed to be mounted on a wall and a desktop or countertop version featuring a speaker base that reportedly resembles a HomePod mini. Built-in sensors will be able to detect a nearby user and the displayed content will be customized for each user. It is also expected to rely heavily on Siri voice commands.
The new home hub could be prices in the $300 to $400 range. While the device was originally expected to launch in early 2025, Apple Intelligence-related delays caused the release date to first be delayed to early 2026, and now to fall 2026.