Apple’s smart home plans are coming into sharper focus. Bloomberg reported that the company’s long-rumored home hub, commonly nicknamed HomePad, is expected to launch sometime between October this year and early next year, with a new AI version of Siri at the center of the device.
New Apple TV and HomePod mini may arrive first this fall
According to the report, a next-generation Apple TV and a refreshed HomePod mini will go on sale first this fall. Their overall designs are expected to stay close to current models, while the main update will be more powerful chips that can handle the AI version of Siri more smoothly. The lineup is seen as an early step before HomePad arrives.
HomePad said to feature a 7-inch square screen with two form factors
Bloomberg said the device will use a 7-inch square display. Its software will be rebuilt on top of tvOS, while borrowing interface ideas from iOS and watchOS. The screen is expected to show app icons and widgets, and the product is said to come in both tabletop and wall-mounted versions for smart home control.
AI Siri would power calls, monitoring, and home intercom functions
The report described the AI version of Siri as the core of the whole device. HomePad is expected to support video calling, home security monitoring, and Intercom broadcasts, while also connecting with other Apple Home products.
One of the more notable features mentioned in the report is facial recognition. The screen would be able to identify who is standing in front of it, then switch text size, icon size, and interface layout to match that person, effectively giving each family member a personalized screen experience.
Launch timing reportedly shifted after AI Siri delays
Bloomberg said the AI version of Siri is now expected to debut this fall alongside iOS 27. Observers have taken that as a sign Apple is preparing to compete directly with Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show.
The report added that this smart home hub had originally been scheduled to appear in spring 2025. Development setbacks tied to AI Siri delayed that plan, pushing the product to launch in step with iOS 27 and the new Siri rollout.
Apple is also said to be exploring more home devices
Beyond HomePad, the report said Apple is developing a high-end security camera aimed at the market served by Amazon Ring. A rumored home robot that combines a mechanical arm with a screen could also join the company’s future device lineup.
Based on the details available so far, HomePad remains the most likely new product to appear first, with a rollout that could begin in October this year.