Apple's smart home hub could arrive as soon as October, Gurman reports

Apple could unveil its long-rumored smart home display as soon as October, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who narrowed the launch window in his "Power On" newsletter. In August, Gurman had said the device was on track to arrive before the end of 2026.

What the report says

According to Gurman, the device is expected to become a central interface for controlling accessories, communicating with other people in the home, accessing media, and using Apple services. References in Apple's software link the tabletop model to the internal designation "J490"; a second model, "J491", appears intended for wall mounting. Both identifiers were among several unreleased products referenced in macOS Tahoe 26.7.

The two versions will reportedly share a compact, square display. One will include a base for placing it on a desk or counter, while the other can be fixed to a wall. Earlier coverage compared the design to the iMac G4, while the base is described as resembling half a HomePod mini.

A home hub built around Siri AI

Apple has apparently developed a dedicated operating system build around Siri AI for the product, with visual elements drawn from iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Its interface will offer a Home Screen, widgets, and selectable clock designs, allowing information to remain visible when the device is not being actively used. Users will reportedly be able to search information held across their Apple devices and accounts with Siri AI, retrieve shared songs or podcasts, locate photos and request actions within apps.

Gurman says Apple postponed the home hub several times because those Siri features were not ready. That obstacle has now largely been removed following the release of iOS 27 with Siri AI earlier this month.

Camera and everyday features

The display's camera will purportedly support video calls and recognize individual members of a household. Once it identifies the person in front of it, the software will be able to present that user's appointments, notes, preferred media, news, and other personalized information. Other expected functions include smart home controls, intercom, music and video playback, and apps such as Calendar, Notes, and Reminders. An iPhone will be required during setup and for certain connected features.

A wider smart home refresh

The hub is not the only device in the works. Bloomberg's reporting, carried by outlets including AppleInsider, describes a refreshed HomePod mini at $129 with a faster chip to support Siri AI, and a new Apple TV at $199. Neither current model can run Siri AI as things stand. Gurman says the home display would be among the first major new products introduced under Apple CEO John Ternus, with the iPhone remaining the center of customers' mobile lives.