Apple is reportedly developing a new smart home hub designed to bring Siri, HomeKit controls and household information together in a single display-based accessory. The device could support video playback, FaceTime, calendars, weather updates and communication between rooms, with Apple expected to offer both wall-mounted and desktop versions.

Two designs with a six-inch display

The hub is expected to use a square screen measuring about six inches, with quarter-inch black bezels and a thickness similar to an iPhone. Both versions would have a gray aluminum finish, a 1080p front camera and no internal battery, requiring a USB-C power connection.

One model would sit flush against a wall on a thin base containing the speakers and microphones. The other would use a hemispherical speaker base reminiscent of the iMac G4, connected to the display by a polished metal arm. That design would allow the screen to tilt forward or backward.

Apple reportedly expects households to place multiple hubs in different rooms. Two or more units could work as intercoms, while the built-in speakers could support music playback and function as AirPlay receivers.

Personalized controls and smart home automation

Proximity sensors could let the hub change its interface depending on how close someone is. For example, the display might show the temperature when nobody is nearby, then present thermostat controls as a person approaches. The sensors could also support automations such as turning on lights when someone enters a room.

The device is expected to identify people using a Face ID-like camera system combined with voice recognition. Each household member could receive a personalized profile, interface and app arrangement. Users might also authenticate with an iPhone, while a visitor mode would prevent personal information from appearing to guests.

Gesture recognition is reportedly being considered for longer-range control. A light around the screen could help the camera recognize people in darker rooms, although the camera would not be expected to match the accuracy of Face ID.

homeOS software and Apple Intelligence

The hub could use an A18 chip or newer, paired with at least 8GB of memory to support Apple Intelligence features. Apple reportedly refers to the operating system internally as “Charismatic,” while homeOS is a possible public name.

The software is expected to combine elements of iOS, tvOS and watchOS. Its main screen could show customizable widgets for weather, home controls, photos and upcoming events. A Smart Stack might rotate widgets throughout the day, while customizable clock faces and photo slideshows would appear when the device is idle.

There may not be a dedicated App Store. Instead, the hub is expected to ship with Apple apps such as Home, Calendar, Photos, Music, Podcasts, Notes, Reminders, Messages, FaceTime, Safari and Apple News. It could also play videos, making it useful for following recipes in the kitchen.

Possible price and release timing

Apple's hub could cost around $350, placing it above competing products such as the Amazon Echo Show. A launch is reportedly planned for October 13 alongside a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, though Apple has not confirmed those plans.

Apple is also reportedly developing an indoor security camera that could connect to the hub, with a possible release in 2027. Privacy is expected to be a central focus of that future accessory.