Apple has been working on a smart home hub with a display for years – and it's finally expected to launch in 2026. The so-called HomePad combines the HomePod speaker and an iPad-like display in a completely new device. It would be Apple's direct competitor to Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub – with one crucial difference: deep integration with HomeKit, Matter, and Apple Intelligence.
Apple has long been a spectator in the smart home market, while Amazon and Google have dominated with displays, cameras, and hub devices. Apple's home ecosystem has so far been limited to the HomePod, HomePod mini, and Apple TV as smart home hubs. That changes with the HomePad.
The device, internally codenamed J490, has been hardware-wise complete for months, according to several sources, including Bloomberg, Macworld, and leaker Kosutami. The reason for the delay is the same as with the Apple TV 4K: the new, AI-powered Siri isn't ready yet. As we reported in our article Apple plans smart home hub with new Siri this fall, the HomePad is waiting for iOS 27 and the LLM-based Siri.
Apple HomePad: The most important points in brief
| Detail | Expectation |
|---|---|
| Product | Smart home hub with 7-inch display |
| Code name | J490 |
| Chip | A18 (Apple Intelligence-enabled) |
| Display | 7-inch, square, Touchscreen |
| Camera | Ultra-wide angle camera with Face ID for multi-user recognition |
| Variants | Wall-mounted and table-top models with speaker base |
| Operating system | Custom version of tvOS / homeOS |
| Release | Autumn 2026 (September–December) |
| Price | Estimated around 350 $ / ~399 € |
Design: Two variants
Apple is developing the HomePad in two versions:
Tabletop model: A display on a speaker base, visually similar to the HomePod mini. Designed for the kitchen, bedroom, or desk – anywhere quick information and music control are needed.
Wall-mounted model: A version with a MagSafe-like magnetic mount that attaches to the wall – serving as a central smart home panel. Leaker Kosutami reports a prototype with a "snap-to-wall" function and integrated doorbell.
The display measures 7 inches in a square format – roughly the size of two iPhones side by side. It's a touchscreen with proximity sensors that detect when someone approaches and automatically adjust the displayed content.
Chip and software
A18 chip with Apple Intelligence
According to leaked Apple code, the HomePad will be equipped with the A18 chip – the same processor as in the iPhone 16. This makes the device powerful enough for Apple intelligence features, including the new, LLM-based Siri with natural conversation.
Operating system: homeOS
The HomePad is expected to use its own version of tvOS with iOS-like features. Leaked code contains references to the ChatKit framework, suggesting that the HomePad could support iMessage and text messaging – features not currently available on Apple TV and HomePod.
The interface is designed to combine elements of Apple Watch and iPhone StandBy: clean, widget-based, and with contextual ads that change depending on the user and time of day.
Camera and Face ID
The built-in front camera goes beyond simple video calls:
- FaceTime support with Center Stage and 1080p video
- Face ID with multi-user recognition: The HomePad recognizes who is standing in front of it and automatically switches profiles – personalized music, calendar, reminders
- Facial recognition for automation: The device could recognize who is coming home and trigger corresponding HomeKit scenes – lights, music, security system.
Apple has internally developed an app to test facial recognition accuracy on the HomePad, which shows how central this feature is.
Smart Home: HomeKit, Matter and Thread
The HomePad is positioned as the central hub for the entire Apple Home ecosystem:
- HomeKit and Matter: Control all compatible smart home devices directly from the display
- Thread support: Direct communication with Thread devices without an additional hub.
- Siri at its core: Voice control for lights, thermostats, locks, cameras and more – significantly more powerful than the current Siri
The HomePad is intended to work with the planned Apple Security Camera and be part of a larger smart home push, which also includes the new HomePods.
Functions at a glance
In addition to smart home control, the HomePad can reportedly:
- Play music and podcasts (integrated speaker)
- Making FaceTime video calls
- View weather, calendar and reminders
- Display photos as a digital picture frame
- Create notes and timers
- Sending and receiving iMessage messages
What it won't offer: A fully-fledged App Store. Apple is deliberately focusing on curated features instead of an open app platform – concentrating on smart home technology, communication, and quick information access.
Release: Why Apple waits so long
The HomePad was originally planned for early 2025, then postponed to spring 2026, and most recently to fall 2026 – each time due to Siri delays. According to Gurman, the hardware has been ready for months.
Leaker Kosutami posted on X on March 5, 2026: "Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming." – and confirmed shortly afterwards: "Clearance: HomePad at Fall."
The most likely timeframe is September to December 2026, possibly alongside the iPhone 18 Pro or the MacBook Ultra. The HomePad is tied to iOS 27 and the new Siri – both of which will be unveiled at WWDC in June and released in the fall.
Price
First estimates put the price at around $350 (approx. €399). That would make it significantly cheaper than an iPad, positioning the HomePad as a standalone smart home device rather than a tablet replacement. For comparison: an Amazon Echo Show 10 currently costs around €250, a Google Nest Hub Max around €230. Apple will likely be priced somewhat higher, but in return offers deep integration into the Apple ecosystem.
Outlook: Robotics hub for 2027
In addition to the HomePad, Apple is reportedly also working on a high-end model (codename J595) – a display on a robotic arm that can follow the user around the room. This "Luxo Jr."-like device is planned for 2027 or later and would be an even more ambitious version of the smart home hub.
Apple HomePad: Who is the HomePad intended for?
The HomePad is aimed at Apple users who want to control their smart home centrally – without having to reach for their iPhone or iPad every time. It doesn't replace an iPad or iPhone, but rather expands the ecosystem with a fixed hub in the home.
This is especially interesting for households with multiple Apple users: Face ID-based profile recognition enables personalized content for each family member. Combined with the new HomePods and the Apple Security Camera, the HomePod could become the centerpiece of a fully Apple-controlled home. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / RossHelen)
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