Apple is reportedly planning to further its smart-home device product line starting with the launch of a long-delayed hub on the 13th October 2026.
Bloomberg reported the smart-home hub, code-named J490, will feature a roughly 6-inch square display mounted on a perforated speaker base, with the countertop version featuring an arm that allows users to tilt the display. A dedicated wall-mounted variant is code-named J491. The grey aluminium device runs on USB-C power without internal batteries or physical buttons.
The hub will use built-in microphones and a front-facing FaceTime camera to identify household members by voice or appearance, then display their calendars, messages, notes and contacts.
A virtual white ring light will illuminate users approaching in low light, while an iPhone can provide secondary authentication if facial recognition fails. A visitor mode will hide personal information from guests.
The tech giant expects customers to place multiple displays around the home for intercom calls, music streaming and control of HomeKit accessories. In the kitchen, the hub could also provide voice-guided recipes.
The iPhone maker is also updating its supporting accessories. The HomePod mini and Apple TV set-top box will retain their existing designs but gain faster processors capable of running Siri’s upgraded AI models.
The HomePod mini will also be offered in new pink and green colours. Apple is separately developing a premium 9-inch display mounted on a 360-degree robotic arm, as well as a refreshed full-sized HomePod, for later release.
The news site previously reported in March 2026 that Apple’s smart-home display was postponed because its revamped Siri digital assistant was not ready.
While Apple currently offers the HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV streaming box, it has long trailed market leaders Amazon and Google for branded smart-home hardware.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: Apple
Source: Tahawul Tech
