Apple plans major smart home expansion with new hub and AI integration

Apple is reportedly planning a major expansion of its smart home ecosystem, moving toward more direct control of hardware through a new product roadmap. The strategy centers on integrating advanced AI capabilities via an upgraded Siri to improve natural language processing and device automation.

Immediate updates are expected to include refreshed versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K. The HomePod mini may transition to the S9 chip, while the Apple TV 4K could receive the A17 Pro chip to support local Apple Intelligence features.

A significant centerpiece of this roadmap is a new smart-home hub, internally codenamed ‘HomePad’. Expected to debut between late 2026 and early 2027, the device may feature a 7-inch touchscreen and run a dedicated operating system called homeOS. Potential designs include a wall-mounted display or a speaker-based unit similar to the Google Nest Hub.

Long-term plans suggest Apple intends to enter the home security market with dedicated smart cameras and video doorbells. Further ambitious projects reportedly include a high-end 9-inch display equipped with a robotic arm designed to follow users during video calls.