Apple is preparing to make one of its most significant attempts in recent years to expand its ecosystem beyond smartphones, computers and watches. According to Bloomberg, the company could unveil a brand-new home device featuring a display and Siri AI as early as 13 October. Internally at Apple, it is codenamed J490, whilst in the tech media it is often referred to as the Home Hub or HomePad. If the reports are confirmed, this will not simply be a new speaker or a compact iPad, but a central AI device for home control.
- Apple plans to unveil a new home hub on 13 October.
- The device may feature a square display with a diagonal of around 6 inches and Siri AI.
- A desktop version with a speaker and a wall-mounted version are expected to be released.
- The hub will be able to control a smart home, display personalised information and support FaceTime.
- The name ‘HomePad’ is not yet official — within Apple, the device is known by the code name J490.
What Apple might unveil on 13 October
The main new product is set to be a home control centre with a square screen measuring approximately 6 inches diagonally. According to sources cited by Bloomberg, it will be considerably more compact than a standard iPad.
At least two versions of the device are expected. The first can be placed on a table or kitchen worktop. The screen in this version is designed to be attached to a metal base with a built-in speaker. The second version is designed for wall mounting and can serve as a permanent smart home control panel.
The design of the desktop model bears a resemblance to the legendary iMac G4 — an Apple computer from the early 2000s featuring a display mounted above a rounded base. According to available information, the device will not have a battery and must remain permanently connected to the mains.
Siri AI will be a key feature of the device
It may turn out that the display itself isn’t the most important thing here. Apple is, in fact, creating a separate physical space in the home for Siri’s AI.
Instead of having to take it every time iPhone, the user will be able to walk up to the hub and ask Siri to show their calendar or reminders, play music, make a call, check their home devices or find the information they need.
Among the features attributed to the new gadget are:
- control of smart home devices;
- FaceTime and video calls;
- calendar and reminders;
- music and podcasts;
- photos from iCloud;
- message;
- home intercom;
- widgets;
- personalised information for different family members.
It is precisely the support for multiple users that could be one of the key differences compared to the iPad.
The gadget will be able to recognise who is approaching it
One of the most interesting features is automatic personalisation. According to the information available, the device will use voice recognition and the camera to determine which family member is currently using it. For example, when one person approaches the display, the system will be able to show their calendar, reminders or other personalised widgets. The information displayed will change for another family member.
A separate guest mode is also expected, which will hide the owners« personal data. In this case, the Home Hub will become more than just a »screen with Siri’; it will be a shared home computer that adapts to each individual user.
It’s not a small iPad
At first glance, an obvious question arises: why buy another screen when you already have an iPhone or iPad at home? This is precisely where Apple’s main strategy lies.
The iPad is a personal mobile device. The new hub is designed to be a permanent fixture in the home. You won’t need to search for it, charge it or pass it on to another family member. It will always be in the same place, serving as a dashboard, a speaker, a video terminal and a HomeKit control centre.
In other words, Apple is trying to combine some of the features of the HomePod, the iPad and a smart home control panel into a single device.
Apple may develop a separate system for it
The software is even more interesting. According to preliminary reports, the interface will combine elements of iOS, tvOS and watchOS. The home screen is expected to feature large widgets, clocks, photos and quick access to key functions.
The apps mentioned include Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music and Podcasts. The name has also appeared repeatedly in the leaks homeOS, although Apple has not yet officially confirmed that this will be the name of the new platform.
The launch of a separate operating system may indicate that the company views home AI devices not as a one-off experiment, but as another part of its ecosystem.
Apple wants to take the place that Amazon and Google have long held
Apple is entering this market rather late. Amazon has been developing its Echo range for many years, whilst Google offers its Nest Hub smart displays. Until now, Apple has relied mainly on the HomePod, Apple TV and HomeKit.
The new hub could change this set-up. Its main advantage for Apple device owners will be integration: the iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomeKit, iCloud, Apple Music, FaceTime and Siri will all work within a single ecosystem. And that is potentially more important than the display’s specifications or the processor’s power.
How much will the Apple Home Hub cost?
There is no official price as yet. Previous reports about the device mentioned an estimated price of around $350, however, until the presentation, this figure should be regarded as provisional only.
Similarly, Apple has not yet confirmed the commercial name of the gadget. Therefore, «HomePad», which is currently widely used by technology websites, may well turn out to be nothing more than an unofficial nickname.
On 13 October, Apple may unveil more than one device
Alongside its new home hub, Apple is preparing an updated HomePod mini and the new generation of Apple TV. Both are expected to feature more powerful processors and support for new Siri AI features.
This makes the upcoming announcement all the more intriguing: it may not be about a single experimental gadget, but rather a major overhaul of Apple’s entire smart home strategy. However, as of 4 October, the company had not publicly announced a separate a presentation for 13 October. Therefore, the release date, specifications and final name of the device remain unofficial until the official announcement.
If the reports are confirmed, Apple will add yet another product category to its range alongside the iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Vision Pro. And the key question will no longer be whether the company is capable of producing a stylish home display, but whether Siri AI can convince people that they really do need yet another device in their home that is always on.
