Apple is preparing to release its long-anticipated smart home hub before the end of the year, according to a report from Engadget citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Apple has been working on its smart home hub since 2022, but the launch was delayed due to issues with Siri upgrades. Gurman reported that Apple plans to introduce a lower-end model first, with a high-end version featuring a robotic arm coming in a year or two.
The initial model is expected to feature a 7-inch display and run on a new operating system called homeOS. It’s likely to feature a dashboard similar to the iPhone’s StandBy mode. Apple aims to create an intuitive user experience by combining design elements from its HomePod and iPad products.
However, it remains to be seen how Apple’s offering will stand out in a market dominated by Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo lineup. The advanced model with a robotic arm could be priced at around 1,000 USD. Industry watchers anticipate Apple’s entry could set new AI-driven smart home sector benchmarks.