All articles tagged with #home hub
Bloomberg's Gurman says Apple’s rumored Home Hub (codenamed J490) will be a square, desk- or wall-mounted display powered by Siri AI, acting as an AI-centric home control center that unifies device controls, video calls, and media across Apple devices. A release date hasn’t been announced, but it’s expected soon, with debate over privacy and whether it will augment or replace existing devices.
The macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta embeds references to a wide slate of unreleased Apple products beyond AirPods with cameras, including a fourth‑generation AirPods Pro, two Beats headphones, several iPhone models such as the iPhone 18 Pro/Max and foldable iPhone Ultra, plus home devices like Home Hub, Pebble homeOS, the HopePod mini and a tabletop robot; it also hints at two new iMacs, four OLED MacBook Pro models, and an entry‑level 14‑inch MacBook Pro powered by an M6 chip, suggesting potential reveals around Apple's September iPhone event.
Apple is developing a home hub with a Widget Gallery that mirrors iPhone widgets on a 7‑inch display, supports third‑party widgets, rotates through widgets with a Smart Stack, and integrates with HomeKit and Apple apps, though it isn’t expected to have its own App Store.
Apple launches the Apple Upgrade leasing program with Klarna, replacing the old plan; releases iOS 26.6 and iPadOS 26.6 ahead of iOS 27, with security fixes and iCloud/tone tweaks; rumors point to a new Home Hub and updated TV/HomePod mini, while a MacRumors interview discusses AI-bubble risks with Ed Zitron; iOS 27 preview notes include further Siri/iCloud improvements and FaceTime features, alongside plans for privacy-focused smart glasses in 2027.
Bloomberg reports Apple plans a Home Hub smart display with a 7-inch touchscreen that runs a tvOS-based OS, featuring Siri as its main selling point, widgets, apps, and customizable clock faces. It will offer multi-room use, be available in tabletop or wall-mounted forms, include built-in cameras with facial recognition, and support FaceTime calls, home security monitoring, and an intercom. A future model may add a 9-inch display and a robotic arm. The report also mentions other Apple devices in development, such as an in-home security camera, a new Apple TV set-top, and an upgraded HomePod mini, with potential release this fall to next year.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is planning to launch an all-new Home Hub between October and early next year, a 7-inch display-equipped, HomePod-style speaker that runs a tvOS-based OS with a mix of tvOS, watchOS and iOS interfaces, available in tabletop and wall-mounted forms and capable of facial recognition, FaceTime calls, HomeKit management, photos, calendar, music, and intercom, with a security camera in development to rival Ring.
Apple's new smart home hub, often called a HomePod with a screen, is delayed until 2026 due to dependencies on postponed Siri features and a new version of App Intents, which are essential for its voice control capabilities. The device, expected to feature a 6-7 inch display and an A18 chip, aims to control smart home devices, support FaceTime, and possibly serve as a security system, but its release has been pushed back from an initial planned announcement in March.
Amazon has launched two new Echo Show devices, including the Echo Show 21 with a 21-inch display, designed for smart home control and featuring compatibility with Matter, Wi-Fi, Thread, and Zigbee devices. Meanwhile, Apple is preparing to release its own smart home hub next year, which will include a camera for FaceTime, HomeKit and Matter support, and integrated Siri, but with a smaller six-inch display. Pricing for Apple's device is yet to be announced, while Amazon's Echo Show 21 is priced at $400.
Google is set to release a new Pixel Tablet in 2023, powered by its own Tensor chipset. The tablet could be positioned as a living room device, with emphasis on video calls, home controls, and family access. Google's Tensor G2 chip is already machine learning-optimized, and the company could announce new AI features on the upcoming Pixel phones and Pixel Tablet. It is unclear whether the Pixel Tablet will be kid-friendly or come with accessories such as a keyboard or protective travel case. The price is expected to be lower than Apple's iPads, and more details will be revealed at Google's I/O conference on May 10.