Over the past few years, Apple has launched a range of products and accessories that are part of the company's "walled garden" of ecosystems. The company plans to release more products in the coming years, including a smart home hub device with an iPad-like display. Mark Gurman shared more details about the device, including how it will fit into the company's existing product line and whether it will be priced at mid-range or high-end.
Apple Intelligence opens the door to more products, and before its launch, use cases for smart home hubs were very limited. Mark Gurman said in the latest Power On newsletter that Apple will launch a new product category - tablet robots - between 2026 and 2027, which is consistent with the company's ambitious plans for a "product renaissance" in 2027.
In terms of design, Apple's smart home hub will feature an iPad-like display connected to a robotic arm, meaning it will likely feature a movable or articulated arm for enhanced functionality, possibly for interaction and positioning. Previous reports suggested the device would be a cross between a HomePod and an iPad, and based on Gurman's description, those rumors were correct.
As mentioned, the smart home hub will have Apple Intelligence built-in, which means most operations will be done via voice commands. It will also serve as a central hub for home automation, connecting all accessories in the home into one unit. The company will launch an upgraded version of HomeOS to make it easier for users to control devices and accessories.
Apple’s smart home hub will also feature a front-facing camera dedicated to FaceTime video calls and utilize an iPad-like display to enhance the communication experience. From what we understand, the device may also support iMessage, as the device will feature a larger display, which would be a significant improvement having all your contacts and messaging services in one place.
In terms of price, Mark Gurman said that this smart home hub will cost about $1,000, which makes it a high-end device in the Apple ecosystem. It remains to be seen how Apple will market the product. Apple has appointed former Apple Watch and Apple Car CEO Kevin Lynch to lead the project, signaling that they will focus on innovative hardware integration.