Apple readies AI-powered HomePod lineup and smart home hub after years of delays

New Apple HomePods with AI are coming. Everything we know.

Apple's smart home lineup has stayed mostly frozen for years, but that appears likely to change. Between a recent Bloomberg report and a trove of references buried in Apple's own beta software, it appears the company is ready for a new Home push. Especially now that, reportedly, Apple has been waiting on its revamped Siri to finally be ready. Here's everything that's been reported so far. For years, much of Apple's rumored Home hardware has reportedly sat ready for release, only to be delayed pending the company's overhauled Siri. According to 9to5Mac, that logjam is finally clearing. The new Siri, upgraded with Apple Intelligence, is set to ship with iOS 27 this fall, and a wave of Home products is reportedly not far behind. Everything we know so far Citing the Bloomberg report, 9to5Mac lists seven Home-related products said to be in Apple's pipeline for the year ahead: * A new Apple TV 4K * HomePad, a HomePod-style device with a built-in display * HomePod mini 2 * HomePod 3 * A security camera * A video doorbell * A tabletop robotic home hub 9to5Mac notes that the new HomePad, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini are reportedly slated to launch this fall. The larger HomePod and security camera could follow soon afterward. On that last point, 9to5Mac points to new HomeKit Secure Video features arriving in iOS 27 as a possible hint that the camera hardware is close. The most detailed picture so far on the HomePod comes from Engadget, which combed through references in a recent macOS 26.7 beta. According to Engadget, the code points to a new device internally labeled "HomeAccessory" -- widely believed to be the long-rumored HomePod with a built-in display, a concept that has been rumored in various forms for years. Engadget also reports that the device's interface centers on "Faces" and a "Face Gallery" -- essentially an Apple Watch-style face system scaled up for a larger screen, with faces that can be customized with different widgets and Smart Stacks that change throughout the day. The beta code reportedly also points to a next-generation HomePod mini, internally codenamed B525. Engadget characterizes expectations for this update as modest -- likely a minor refresh rather than a significant overhaul -- though it cites a MacRumors report suggesting new color options are on the way. Despite the fresh leaks, some skepticism is warranted, given how long these rumors have circulated. As 9to5Mac notes, Apple's home efforts have been comparatively limited so far. Still, given that we now know for sure that Siri AI is actually coming, the company may finally be ready to give its smart home lineup some long-overdue attention.

Apple Reportedly Reworks Stores Ahead of HomePod, Apple TV Refreshes

* Store changes may hint at Apple's rumoured home hub * The device could run a tvOS-based operating system * Siri AI could be central to the home hub experience Apple is reportedly preparing its retail stores for several new Home products this autumn. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says Apple is planning significant changes to store layouts, including new display space for upcoming devices. An updated Apple TV and HomePod mini are already expected, but the scale of the work could point to a third product. Apple's long-rumoured smart home hub with a display may finally be nearing launch after several delays. Apple Stores Reportedly Revamp Displays for New Home Products According to Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, Apple is modifying the Avenues in some of its newer stores and adding more accessory bays. These sections typically house products including HomePod, Apple TV, AirPods and Beats, as well as third-party accessories. The work is expected to accommodate refreshed versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini. The Apple TV could feature an A17 Pro or newer chip and a new Siri Remote, while the HomePod mini may get an S9-series chip, improved audio, a red finish, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Gurman also links the larger retail overhaul to Apple's rumoured smart home hub with a display, which has been referred to as HomePod with Display or HomePad. The device is expected to feature a 7-inch square screen, with reports pointing to separate tabletop and wall-mounted versions. The hub is tipped to use a tvOS-based operating system with Siri AI and a widget-focused interface. It could include an A18 chip, smart home controls, support for calendars and notes, photo-frame functionality and FaceTime through a built-in camera. Reports have also mentioned access to security camera feeds and controls for connected devices such as smart locks. References reportedly found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 suggest the interface could include a Widget Gallery for customising widgets, icons and clock faces, along with suggestions based on a connected iPhone. Earlier reports have also mentioned personalised features for different household members, potentially using facial recognition. Apple could use the redesigned retail sections to give customers a hands-on look at the hub and explain how it works with other smart home products. This would be particularly useful for a new product category that may require more explanation than an updated speaker or set-top box. The smart home hub has reportedly been delayed several times, partly because of Apple's work on its revamped Siri. Current reports place its launch between October 2026 and early 2027. Meanwhile, the HomePod mini has gone more than 2,000 days without a major update, and the Apple TV 4K is also due for a refresh.