Apple is believed to be preparing to launch three smart home devices, including a new Apple TV, a HomePod mini and a smart home hub.
According to IT media outlet 9to5Mac on July 28 local time, most of the products have entered the final stages of launch preparations. It raised the possibility that two of them could reach the market within months, not days.
Apple is expected to introduce a new Apple TV set-top box and an updated HomePod mini this fall. The two products are not expected to differ much from current models in appearance, but are expected to improve performance by swapping internal chips to support Siri AI. The Apple TV 4K currently uses an A15 Bionic chip, while the HomePod mini uses an S5 chip, the same as the Apple Watch Series 5.
The most watched product in the lineup is a new smart home hub. The device is said to be close to launch, with its unveiling set for between October and early next year. Apple is developing the product in two forms. One places a screen on a hemispherical base, and the other mounts to a wall using a new magnetic system.
The smart home hub is said to feature a 7-inch square display and to be designed around Siri AI. It is expected to run a completely new operating system based on tvOS, and to support apps, icons and widgets with an interface that mixes tvOS and watchOS.
In terms of features, it is expected to include FaceTime, home security monitoring, HomeKit integration and customizable watch faces similar to those on the Apple Watch. Face recognition was also cited as a key differentiator. This suggests Apple is positioning the device as a hub that brings together home control, security and communication, going beyond simple voice control.
Apple is also said to be preparing follow-on smart home products. These include a premium robot hub with a 9-inch display and a premium indoor security camera. If a higher-end version of the new hub is released, Apple would have a smart home lineup split into entry-level and premium models.
The launch is therefore being watched for whether it signals an expansion of Apple’s smart home strategy beyond adding a single device. Apple is expected to first boost chip performance in the Apple TV and HomePod mini to broaden Siri AI-based features, and then move to integrate HomeKit, security and video calling around a dedicated hub. In particular, if the new hub appears between October and early next year, it could become the starting point for a reorganization of Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
