Apple’s reported ‘HomePad’ may launch as early as October
New report reveals Apple is preparing a 7-inch smart home hub running a brand-new OS powered by revamped Siri.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Apple is reportedly preparing a 7-inch square display smart home hub.
- The device runs a brand-new OS based on tvOS powered by revamped Siri.
- Expected launch window is as early as October or early next year.
For years, tech enthusiasts have anticipated a dedicated home hub device from Apple designed to compete directly against smart home mainstays like the Google Nest Hub Mini and Amazon’s Echo Show. Details regarding the rumored "HomePod with a screen" have remained scarce until now, as a fresh report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has finally shed light on the alleged hardware and its projected release timeline.
According to the report, the upcoming smart hub will feature a 7-inch square display powered by a brand-new operating system derived from Apple’s tvOS. The user interface will showcase grids of icons, widgets, and applications drawing design inspiration from both iOS and watchOS. At its core, the device relies on the revamped Siri AI alongside built-in video chat capabilities, home security tools, and intercom features designed to communicate seamlessly with other Apple Home accessories. Furthermore, the system is rumored to possess automatic personalization features that adjust text and icon sizes based on whoever is currently viewing the display.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Apple's aggressive push into the smart home category represents a strategic shift from relying primarily on third-party accessories to building a dedicated hardware ecosystem. Integrating the upgraded Siri directly into a dedicated smart display highlights the company's ambition to unify its smart home strategy under its own proprietary AI framework.
This rumored device is a key component of a broader smart home hardware expansion for Apple. The company was originally slated to unveil the smart home display in Spring 2025, but delays regarding its AI-upgraded Siri pushed the launch schedule back to align with the release of iOS 27 and Siri AI.
In addition to the new home hub, Apple is reportedly developing several other smart home products:
- A high-end security camera to compete with Amazon’s Ring system
- A new Apple TV device
- A new HomePod mini
- A rumored robotic arm featuring an attached screen for future release
While Gurman notes that these timelines could face further delays, he currently expects an official announcement to happen anytime between October and early next year.
Source: The Verge
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