Apple is reportedly launching a new smart hub at some point between October and early 2027, according to a report from the well-known Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman.
The leak indicates that Siri AI is expected to be an important part of the hub, which Apple wants you to place throughout your house. Apple will reportedly offer both tabletop and wall-mounted models and expects customers to purchase more than one, possibly one of each.
The device would sport a HomePod-like speaker with a 7-inch display. The report says the device will have its own new OS that’s based on tvOS with an interface that’s a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS. The OS will have a grid of icons, widgets, apps, and customizable clock faces. It’ll also offer facial recognition and will be able to identify who’s looking at the screen and show personalized information. So as a person walks towards or away from the hub, elements of the interface will change.
You’ll be able to use FaceTime, monitor your home security, look at photo galleries, set calendar events, play music and use an intercom system for houses with multiple Apple Home devices.
The company is also working on an in-home security camera that’ll work similarly to Amazon Ring devices, according to the report.
Source: Bloomberg
