Apple has been steadily building its smart home ecosystem, but 2025 might finally be the year it unveils a dedicated Smart Home Hub. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the long-rumored device—previously expected in spring 2025 but delayed—could now debut by the end of the year.
And this won’t be just another smart display. Apple is planning a device that brings together Siri, Apple Intelligence, homeOS, and deep HomeKit support, making it a true command center for your smart home.
Apple’s Smart Home Hub: A First Look
Think of Apple’s Smart Home Hub as a more elegant, AI-integrated rival to the Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub—but with Apple’s premium design philosophy and tight ecosystem control.
Sources familiar with the device describe the following features:
- A 7-inch square display, possibly with thicker bezels
- Front-facing camera for FaceTime and other video apps
- Rechargeable battery for flexible tabletop or wall-mounted placement
- A new “homeOS” software experience tailored for smart displays
- A StandBy-style dashboard with widgets and glanceable info
- Deep integration with Siri and Apple Intelligence
- Native support for Apple apps and HomeKit device control
This isn’t just another screen-on-a-speaker product—it’s designed to function as a family-friendly video call device, smart home dashboard, and on-device AI assistant.
What Delayed the Launch?
Originally slated for spring 2025, the Apple Smart Home Hub was reportedly delayed due to technical hurdles with Siri’s next-gen capabilities and Apple Intelligence.
Apple intended for the new hub to fully leverage App Intents, context-aware Siri, and more dynamic AI-based functions. These features were expected to stabilize with iOS 18.4, but development delays meant the supporting software wasn’t ready.
To ensure quality, Apple reportedly launched an internal testing program, allowing select employees to take pre-release units home and evaluate them in real-world conditions. The goal: smooth out rough edges and avoid another high-profile misfire.
Apple’s Long-Term Plan: A Robotic Smart Display?
Beyond the first-gen hub, Apple is also reportedly developing a robotic version of the smart display with a motorized arm and built-in personality.
Mark Gurman describes this model as a “major priority,” though Apple has pared down some of its bolder ambitions—at least for now. The idea is to eventually ship a smart hub that can physically respond to users, perhaps turning to face them or animating based on voice commands, while projecting a more lifelike, AI-powered personality.
Don’t expect this version before 2026 or later, but the concept reflects Apple’s evolving ambitions for AI + robotics in the home.
Apple’s Smart Home Vision Nears Reality…
While Apple’s smart home hub ambition has taken longer than expected to materialize, it could give Google and Amazon a run for their money if the Cupertino tech giant actually manages to integrate Apple Intelligence seamlessly and offer a genuinely useful dashboard for HomeKit users.
Do you think Apple’s smart home hub can compete with Amazon and Google? Share your opinion in the comments below.
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