Apple’s smart home strategy may be entering its most important phase yet. According to multiple supply chain reports and coverage from outlets such as Bloomberg and MacRumors, Apple is preparing to refresh its smart home lineup in 2026 with two major products: HomePod mini 2 and a brand-new HomeHub with a display.
While Apple has not officially confirmed either device, the consistency of recent reports suggests 2026 could be a pivotal year for Apple’s connected home ecosystem.
Quick Overview: HomePod mini 2 vs HomeHub (2026)
| Feature | HomePod mini 2 | HomeHub (Smart Display) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Advanced S-series (Watch-based) | A18-class chip |
| AI | Siri powered by LLM | Siri + Apple Intelligence |
| Key Upgrade | Bluetooth 5.3, faster local processing | 7-inch touchscreen, 1080p camera |
| OS | audioOS (enhanced) | Rumored “homeOS” (Charismatic UI) |
| Codename | — | J490 (standard), J595 (advanced concept) |
| Release | Spring 2026 (expected) | March–WWDC 2026 window (rumored) |
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HomePod mini 2: A Long-Awaited Upgrade
The current HomePod mini has remained largely unchanged since its 2020 debut. With Apple aggressively pushing on-device AI and Apple Intelligence across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, the next-generation HomePod mini 2 is expected to receive meaningful internal upgrades.
What the rumors suggest:
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New chip architecture – Likely a more advanced SiP (System in Package), possibly derived from newer Apple Watch silicon.
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Improved Siri responsiveness – Faster local processing and better contextual understanding.
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Upgraded wireless stack – Bluetooth 5.3 and potentially next-gen Ultra Wideband for improved device handoff.
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Same compact design – Most leaks suggest minimal exterior redesign, possibly new color options.
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Price stability – Expected to remain around the $99 range to stay competitive.
If Apple integrates deeper Apple Intelligence capabilities, HomePod mini 2 could evolve from a simple smart speaker into a more capable AI-driven home assistant.
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Apple’s HomeHub with Display: A New Smart Home Category
More intriguing is Apple’s rumored HomeHub, a device widely described as a “HomePod with a screen.”
Reports indicate Apple is developing a smart home control center featuring:
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A ~7-inch touch display
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A powerful A-series chip (rumored A18-class performance)
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Built-in speakers
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Advanced Siri and AI integration
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Smart home dashboard interface
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Support for video calls and FaceTime
The device is expected to compete directly with products like Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub, but with deeper ecosystem integration.
Possible positioning
Industry analysts suggest two potential versions:
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Desktop model with speaker base
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Wall-mountable model for centralized smart home control
This would mark Apple’s first true smart display product — filling a long-standing gap in its lineup.
Credit by 9to5 Mac
homeOS and “Charismatic” Interface
One of the most intriguing rumors involves a new interface internally nicknamed “Charismatic.”
Reports suggest:
Unlike traditional smart displays, Apple may avoid a full App Store model and instead focus on a curated smart home control system.
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Release Date: When Will Apple Launch These Devices?
Most analysts expect:
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Spring 2026 event announcement
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Possible reveal at WWDC 2026
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Public release in first half of 2026
While Apple has not confirmed anything, supply chain timing strongly points to a 2026 launch window.
FAQ: HomePod mini 2 & HomeHub 2026
Q: Will HomePod mini 2 support Apple Intelligence?
Yes. Reports indicate upgraded silicon enabling on-device LLM-powered Siri.
Q: What is the expected price of HomeHub?
No confirmed pricing yet. Analysts expect positioning above HomePod mini, possibly in line with mid-range smart displays.
Q: What is J490?
J490 is the internal codename believed to refer to the standard HomeHub smart display.
Q: Will it replace Apple TV as a home hub?
Unlikely. Instead, it may complement Apple TV with visual smart home control.
Final Thoughts: Apple’s Smart Home Reboot?
If both HomePod mini 2 and HomeHub launch this year, 2026 may represent Apple’s most aggressive smart home push in years.
HomePod mini 2 would modernize Apple’s affordable smart speaker, while HomeHub could redefine how users interact with HomeKit and Matter accessories — shifting from voice-only control to a visual, AI-powered dashboard experience.
Until Apple makes it official, these remain well-sourced rumors. But if the reports prove accurate, Apple’s smart home ecosystem is about to get much more interesting.
