Apple’s long-awaited smart home display hub may finally have a launch window – and a pretty high price tag if recent leaks are to be believed.
According to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the 7-inch Home Hub is expected to make its debut in spring 2026 for around $350, positioning it closer to the original HomePod than budget-friendly rivals like the £219/ $220 Amazon Echo Show 11.
Gurman reports that Apple has developed two models: one that resembles a HomePod mini with a display and another that can be mounted on a wall. It’s unclear what design commands what price, but both are meant to act as a central command centre for controlling HomeKit devices, playing media, and managing smart home automations. They also include a FaceTime camera and sensors to recognise the person using the device.
A more advanced version featuring a 9-inch display and a robotic arm that can move the screen around is also said to be in development for a later release, possibly for 2027.
Apple is planning to manufacture these devices entirely in Vietnam with BYD, a Chinese company – making it one of the first times Apple has built a new product line outside of China. BYD, will be in charge of assembly, testing and packaging, apparently.
Apple’s original timeline reportedly targeted a March 2025 launch, but internal delays linked to Siri’s AI overhaul have pushed the debut into 2026.
