Apple Home Hub to Launch with AI Siri in 2026

The dream of a centralized, intelligent command center for the home is edging closer to reality. Apple is developing a new iPad-like smart home hub, a device poised to become the new heart of the connected household. Initially anticipated for a 2025 debut, the launch is now targeted for mid-2026, a delay attributed to the ongoing refinement of the Apple Intelligence-powered version of Siri that will be central to its operation.

This device, codenamed J490, represents Apple’s most significant foray into the smart home display arena, directly competing with products like the Google Nest Hub. The upcoming hub is designed to be a versatile and personalizable device for every member of the family.

How Will Apple’s Smart Home Hub Work?

The core functionality of Apple’s smart home hub will revolve around a multi-user operating system, codenamed “Charismatic.” This software is fundamentally different from iOS or iPadOS, as it is built from the ground up to be seamlessly shared by multiple people in a home. The interface is expected to center on customizable clock faces and widgets for core Apple applications.

A front-facing camera will play a crucial role, scanning a user’s face as they approach the device. This allows the hub to instantly switch to a personalized profile, displaying that individual’s specific calendar events, reminders, music preferences, and other relevant information. While it will run built-in Apple apps like Music, Calendar, Camera, and Notes, reports indicate it will not have a dedicated App Store at launch. Apple envisions users interacting with the hub primarily through voice commands, though the touchscreen will offer an alternative method of control.

The AI-Powered Future of Siri

The delayed launch is intrinsically linked to the development of a next-generation Siri. Apple is engineering a version of its virtual assistant powered by large language models (LLMs), which will form the brain of the new smart home hub. This AI-driven Siri is designed to incorporate personal user data to provide a far more contextual, proactive, and helpful experience.

Apple is testing an LLM Siri powered by its own internal AI models but is also reportedly exploring the integration of technology from third-party firms like OpenAI and Anthropic. A final decision on the underlying technology has not been made. This supercharged Siri could launch as early as the spring of 2026, bringing a more visual and personified interface, potentially even one that resembles the Mac Finder icon, to iPhones, iPads, and the new hub simultaneously.

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Design and Broader Strategy

Physically, the device is described as resembling a square-shaped tablet with thin bezels, rounded corners, and a half-dome-shaped base that houses a speaker. It will feature a 7-inch display and be available in classic black or white color options. Beyond this hub, the “Charismatic” OS and the new Siri will also serve as the foundation for a separate, more advanced tabletop robot project Apple is developing for a potential 2027 release.

The introduction of a dedicated smart home hub with a screen signifies Apple’s deepened commitment to the connected home ecosystem, aiming to provide a more intuitive and integrated experience that leverages the full potential of on-device AI and personalized data.

Must Know

What is the Apple smart home hub?
It is an upcoming Apple device featuring a 7-inch screen and a speaker, designed to function as a central control unit for the smart home. It will run a unique multi-user operating system and be powered by an advanced, AI-driven version of Siri.

When will the Apple home hub be released?
According to sources including Bloomberg, the device is now expected to launch around mid-2026. It was previously rumored for 2025 but was delayed due to the extended development time required for its new Siri intelligence.

What will the Apple home hub look like?
The device is shaped like a square with thin bezels and rounded corners, similar to existing smart displays from competitors. It will sit on a half-dome-shaped base and is expected to come in black or white color options.

How much will the Apple smart home hub cost?
Apple has not announced any pricing details for the device. Official pricing information will likely be revealed closer to its mid-2026 launch date.

What can the Apple smart home hub do?
Its primary functions will include controlling HomeKit accessories, managing calendars and reminders, playing music, handling video calls via its camera, and providing personalized information for each family member through facial recognition.

Will the hub have an App Store?
Current reporting suggests the device will not have a dedicated App Store at launch. It will operate using a suite of built-in Apple applications, with functionality focused on core home and communication tasks.