Apple is said to be planning to broaden its smart home range with new smart displays, cameras, and refreshed HomePods.
Apple's smart home strategy reportedly includes new displays, cameras, and HomePods.
Apple seems to be gearing up for a more expansive venture into smart home hardware, with various new products in the works as the company aims to go beyond just the HomePod mini and Apple TV, according to a report from 9To5Mac.
The plan includes refreshed versions of current products, a new smart home hub featuring a display, an update for the larger HomePod, and eventually, Apple’s first dedicated smart home security devices. This information has been derived from recent reports compiled by 9To5Mac, which mentions that the anticipated AI enhancements for Siri could eliminate one of the barriers that have hindered the introduction of new Home products.
Apple is finally focusing on the smart home segment
The initial products expected to launch include updated versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, reportedly coming later this fall. The HomePod mini may upgrade from Apple’s S5 chip to the newer S9, alongside a potential wireless chip upgrade and new color options. A significant change is anticipated in software, as Siri AI is expected to enhance the speaker's capabilities.
The Apple TV 4K is also set to receive a processor enhancement, possibly transitioning from the A15 Bionic to the A17 Pro chip. This new chip might support Siri AI and enable some Apple Intelligence features to function locally. A redesigned remote has reportedly been under consideration as well.
Currently, the pricing stands at $129 for the HomePod mini and $199 for the Apple TV 4K, with the report indicating that Apple may maintain these prices for the updated models. A noteworthy addition is Apple's first dedicated smart home hub, reportedly in development under the internal name “HomePad,” which could launch between October and early 2027. Two variants are seemingly being explored: a wall-mounted display and a speaker-based model resembling Google's Nest Hub.
This device is expected to feature a 7-inch square display and a new operating system internally termed homeOS. It may facilitate FaceTime calls, manage smart home devices, and interact with Siri AI, with an A18 chip purportedly powering the entire experience.
Upcoming cameras, doorbells, and an upgraded HomePod
Apple’s ambitions in the smart home arena are said to extend beyond speakers and displays. An update for the full-size HomePod is in the works, though no specific release date has been established. The upgraded speaker is expected to incorporate a newer chip to support Siri AI.
Additionally, Apple is reportedly preparing its first smart home security products, which include a security camera and a smart doorbell. The company is also said to be working on a more advanced version of its smart home display featuring a larger 9-inch screen and a robotic arm, effectively transforming the device into a tabletop robot.
For consumers already invested in Apple’s hardware ecosystem, the implications are obvious: Apple seems to be developing a comprehensive smart home platform rather than merely refreshing a few existing products. The next question is whether Siri AI can finally enhance the hardware sufficiently to make it a valuable addition to homes.
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Apple is said to be planning to broaden its smart home range with new smart displays, cameras, and refreshed HomePods.
Apple seems to be gearing up for a more extensive entry into the smart-home hardware market, as multiple new products are in the works, aiming to extend beyond the HomePod mini and Apple TV, as reported by 9To5Mac. The planned developments include updated versions of the existing products, a new smart-home hub featuring a display, and a larger HomePod.