Apple Home Hub: Here's what we know to date.

      Apple's initiatives in the smart home sector have been rather limited up to now – primarily consisting of the Home app and the HomeKit platform. However, this could soon change with the potential release of a couple of Apple-branded smart home devices that may revolutionize your home experience.

      Currently, it appears that two products are forthcoming: a smart home hub resembling an iPad that can be mounted in a dock or on a wall, and a smart screen attached to a movable robotic arm. Both of these devices are unlike anything Apple has created previously.

      We’ve compiled the latest rumors so you can be informed about what to anticipate from Apple's forthcoming smart home offerings. Here’s what we know so far.

      **Possible Launch Timeline**

      It seems that Apple plans to stagger the release of the two devices. The more understated smart home hub is anticipated to launch this year. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has forecasted a release date later in 2025, as it seemingly hinges on features expected in iOS 18.4 and iOS 19. Apple typically rolls out significant new iOS updates in September, which suggests that the smart home hub could debut around the same time as iOS 19.

      Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested a launch in either the second or third quarter of 2025.

      Regarding the robotic arm, Gurman predicts it might arrive “as early as 2026 or 2027,” leaving open the possibility for a delay beyond that timeframe.

      **Pricing Insights**

      There hasn't been much information on the pricing for the home hub, but considering its features might be similar to those of the Amazon Echo Show, which ranges in price from $90 and up, a cost between $100 and $200 seems plausible.

      On the other hand, the robotic arm is expected to be considerably pricier. Gurman describes it as “high-priced” and mentions that Apple is aiming for the price to be around $1,000.

      **Design: Echoing a Classic Mac**

      While details about pricing and launch timelines are still unclear, there is more information about the designs to expect. For the home hub, Gurman states it will feature a display approximately the size of two iPhones side by side. According to 9to5Mac, the screen will be in a “squarish” format and roughly six inches wide.

      Rumors suggest the device will be compact and lightweight, allowing for easy relocation, as well as the opportunity to mount it on a wall. There will be a dock for desktop usage, possibly incorporating speakers.

      Gurman also speculates that the base will resemble the iMac G4 design from the early 2000s, with the screen angled when mounted. Also, the home hub is expected to come in silver and black color options.

      The standout design feature of the other device is, predictably, the robotic arm. Gurman has reported that it will support a “large screen” at the end of the arm, which can move vertically and rotate 360 degrees.

      **Performance and Features**

      Since both devices will include displays, it is likely that touch interaction will play a significant role, allowing users to manage apps and control connected devices. Inside, they are expected to be powered by an A18 chip with 8GB of memory, enabling Apple’s Intelligence, which can be utilized to control the devices alongside Siri and touch controls. Gurman notes that the user interface will blend elements of watchOS and iOS's StandBy mode and will include a Dock.

      A front-facing camera is expected for FaceTime calls, which could also work with additional sensors to detect when someone approaches the home hub. This detection may trigger changes in the displayed content, which could be useful for home automation tasks, like turning on lights when entering a room. The device may also differentiate between users and allow control through hand gestures.

      AirPlay functionality is also anticipated, enabling connections between devices and its speaker.

      For the device featuring the robotic arm, Gurman envisions it as a central hub for smart home management, a videoconferencing tool, and a remote-operated security device. Similar to the home hub, it will be primarily controlled by Apple Intelligence and Siri, and may respond to user commands, with the ability to recognize different voices and adjust its focus accordingly.

      In early February 2025, a video surfaced from Apple’s labs, showcasing a Pixar-like robotic lamp capable of interacting with people in a surprisingly lifelike manner. While it's unlikely that Apple will release such a lamp, it could represent an early prototype or technology demonstration for the home hub with a robotic arm. If that is the case, consumers might expect similarly fluid movements and functionalities from Apple's smart home devices upon their launch.

      Finally, both products are expected to run on the yet-to-be-released homeOS operating system, with indications and references to this found within Apple's code. However, many details remain unclear at this stage.