Abstract:
Apple is developing a smart home hub for the whole family, which can be used to interact with Siri AI, control HomeKit devices, watch videos, check calendar and weather and other information. Existing news says that this device is expected to be unveiled on October 13 together with the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, and may be priced at around US$350, but the design, price and launch arrangements have not yet been confirmed by Apple.
It is rumored that the home hub will provide two versions, both equipped with a touch screen of about 6 inches, nearly square, with a frame about a quarter of an inch wide. The size is roughly equivalent to two iPhones side by side, and the thickness is close to the iPhone. One is wall-mountable, while the other has a domed speaker base that looks like an iMac G4. The screen is connected via polished metal arms and can be tilted forward or backward. The wall-mounted version has a thin bottom that fits the wall and has built-in speakers and microphones.
Both models are said to have a gray aluminum exterior and are equipped with a 1080p camera on the front, which can be used for FaceTime calls, user authentication and identifying family members; the device does not have a built-in battery and needs to be connected to power via USB-C.
The device can sense the distance between the user and the screen and adjust the interface according to the situation. For example, it displays the room temperature when no one is approaching, and switches to the thermostat control screen when someone approaches. Related sensors may also be used in smart home automation, such as automatically turning on lights when someone enters a room, and are said to be able to recognize different family members and gestures to achieve longer-distance control.
User identification is expected to combine functions similar to Face ID with voice authentication, and the device can switch to the current user's profile and interface. Since camera recognition may not be as accurate as Face ID, voice can be used as an alternative; users can also set up secondary authentication through the iPhone. Guest mode hides personal information. There are also rumors that there will be a ring light similar to the Mac indicator light on the edge of the screen, which can assist the device in identifying the user in the dark.
The home hub is expected to be equipped with an A18 or newer chip to support Apple Intelligence and have at least 8GB of memory. The internal system codename is said to be "Charismatic" and may be renamed homeOS when it is launched; the system will integrate some elements of tvOS, watchOS and iOS and synchronize with the iPhone to simplify the device setup process.
The device will not be equipped with a dedicated App Store, but it is expected to come with a number of Apple apps pre-installed, including Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Notes, Calendar, Photos, Home, Messages, Reminders and FaceTime. The main interface is customizable and displays content such as weather, home control, photo slideshows, and schedules through widgets; the built-in camera can identify different family members and present different apps and home screens for each person. The interface is described as combining watchOS and iPhone standby display mode, focusing on displaying the clock and photo slideshow when idle. It also provides a software dock, application launcher, rearrangeable icons and an icon design similar to Apple Watch. Users can also browse the widget gallery and use smart stacking to rotate widgets over time; widgets brought by a connected iPhone will only display content when the primary user is at home. The overall visual style will be built around Siri AI and use darker design elements.
The device can be added to HomeKit scenes and supports video playback. Users can watch recipe steps in the kitchen. When multiple devices are deployed at home, it can also be used as an intercom system between rooms. The built-in speaker supports music playback and can serve as an AirPlay receiver. Apple is also developing an indoor security camera that can be connected to a home hub, which is expected to be launched in 2027. Rumor has it that it emphasizes privacy protection and aims to provide an alternative to products such as Ring and Nest.
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