iPhone Ultra could be only one of many brand-new Apple products this fall

It’s all but confirmed we’re getting the iPhone 18 Pro and the foldable iPhone Ultra in September, but Apple may finally launch several other products that we’ve been expecting for years. A new report claims the company will finally kick off its long-overdue smart home push as early as this October.

Apple may launch three new smart home devices this year

After years of rumors, Apple may finally launch its new smart hub with a display this fall, according to a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Also this year, the company is expected to premiere new versions of the HomePod mini and the Apple TV set-top box.

As per the report, all three products are “nearly ready to launch,” with the Apple TV and HomePod refreshes coming first. Both will retain the same design as their current versions, but are getting upgraded processors to ensure support for Siri AI.

The home hub could launch as early as October, but there’s a chance its premiere will be in early 2027. There are no specifics about the potential prices of the new devices, though the report mentions the recent price hikes of the HomePod mini and Apple TV.

Apple’s home hub will have a new operating system

Apple wants to make the unnamed smart hub the centerpiece of its new smart home ecosystem. To achieve that, the device will feature a square display, which will measure about 7 inches, and it will run an entirely new operating system.

The software will be based on tvOS, but it’ll also borrow some interface ideas from watchOS and iOS. Those will include a grid of icons, widgets, and apps. 

Apparently, the device will have a camera, as it’s said it will have FaceTime capabilities. It will also serve for home security monitoring and an intercom system for homes with several Apple home devices. Among its rumored features are:

• Controlling smart appliances, including speakers and locks
• Viewing photos
• Accessing calendars
• Playing music
• Customizable clock faces, similar to Apple Watch

The most intriguing rumored feature will rely on facial recognition, which will allow the hub to identify users, determine their distance from the device, and personalize its interface in real time. That way the software will adjust not only what’s on the display, but also the size of the information, so it’s easier to see. 

Thanks to this feature, the hub will also show different calendars and notes, based on who’s watching.

Apple wants you to have multiple hubs in your home

The company is also planning to launch two versions of its home hub. One of them is known as J490 internally, and it’ll put a screen on a base that looks like a HomePod mini cut in half.

Then there’s a version of the device that will stick to walls with a new magnetic system. This one is code-named J491, and is part of Apple’s vision for users to have multiple devices in their homes.

Further ahead, Apple also wants to launch a home hub with a robotic limb, which would allow the device to interact with people. This version is said to have a 9-inch display. Apple is also working on an in-home security camera, which is expected to compete with Amazon’s Ring.

Users on Reddit have been wondering for years when Apple would finally update some of its home devices, especially the HomePod mini. In one of the numerous discussions on the topic, one user said waiting for new HomePods felt like waiting for the video game Half-Life 3, which has been subject to rumors for well over a decade.

Six-month unlimited plan is now 57% off

$90

$210

$120 off (57%)

Mint Mobile is now allowing you to get whichever plan you like for either three, six, or 12 months for just $15/mo. If you go for the six-month unlimited service, for instance, you'll now have to pay just $90 upfront instead of $210.

Buy at Mint Mobile