Apple’s reported ‘HomePad’ may launch as early as October
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new smart home hub device featuring a 7-inch display and a specialized version of tvOS. The device, which may arrive as early as October, is expected to integrate with a revamped Siri AI and compete with existing smart home displays from Google and Amazon.
Why it matters
This represents a strategic expansion of Apple's smart home ecosystem, signaling a shift toward dedicated hardware to compete with established market leaders.
For years, we’ve heard rumors of a new home hub device from Apple, meant to take on smart home devices like the Google Nest Hub Mini and Amazon’s Echo Show. Besides “HomePod with a screen,” details have been sparse. But now, a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman sheds some light on the alleged device, as well as a potential release window.
According to Gurman, the new smart hub will feature a 7-inch square display and a brand new operating system based on Apple’s tvOS, with “grids of icons, widgets and apps” reminiscent of iOS and even WatchOS. It will reportedly feature the revamped Siri AI at its core, along with video chat, security, and intercom features that communicate with other Apple Home devices. Gurman says the device will also be able to automatically personalize the interface, including text and icon size, depending on who is looking at the display.
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