Apple is apparently still working on its own smart home device. The so-called Apple Home Hub is intended to serve as a central control unit for connected devices in the home. New leaks now provide additional information about the possible design, user interface, and planned features.
According to reports, the device could feature a watchOS-style user interface, MagSafe support, and a flexible design for stand or wall mounting. At the same time, there are indications that the device's launch may have been delayed until fall 2026.
The new information comes from leaker and prototype collector Kosutami, who shared details about the Apple Home Hub via the X platform and in conversations with AppleInsider. Kosutami is known for regularly publishing information about Apple prototypes.
These are often devices or designs from early development phases. Many of these variants don't make it into the final product version because Apple makes numerous changes during development.
HomePod-like device with various stand designs
According to Kosutami, the Apple Home Hub will function similarly to a HomePod hub. The device could also stand on a base or be wall-mounted. Apple is said to have tested two different base designs.
- a variant with a hemispherical base in the style of the iMac G4
- a second variant, similar to the current HomePod
This suggests that Apple is still evaluating several hardware concepts.
watchOS-like user interface
According to a leak, the Apple Home Hub's software will visually resemble watchOS. A key feature could be round app icons, similar to those on the Apple Watch.
Kosutami also claims that the device could use an interface design similar to the HomePod prototypes designated B290. These prototypes featured a screen on the top of the HomePod casing.
Support for MagSafe and Apple Intelligence
Another detail concerns MagSafe. According to current information, the technology could be integrated into the Apple Home Hub, for example for magnetic attachments or accessories.
Additionally, the device is expected to support Apple Intelligence. The integration of AI features could be one reason why the product launch has reportedly been postponed to the end of 2026. According to reports, this is because the new Apple Intelligence-based Siri is not yet fully complete.
Kosutami: Some leaks are true
Kosutami regularly publishes information about Apple prototypes. Many of these concern devices or designs that are later changed or discarded. In the past, some of his predictions have been correct, such as:
- the introduction of USB-C in the iPhone 15
- the release of the iPad mini 7 in autumn 2024
The timing for the AirTag 2, however, was off. Kosutami expected the device in May or June 2025, but it wasn't actually unveiled until January 2026.
Furthermore, the leaker published an image of the FineWoven bands for the Apple Watch early, before Apple officially announced them.
Currently, his leaks focus primarily on the Apple Home Hub and AirPods with a camera, which have also been the subject of speculation for some time.
Apple Home Hub could become an important building block for Apple's smart home plans
The Apple Home Hub could be a significant step in Apple's smart home strategy. Current information suggests a device that combines HomePod elements, a watchOS-like interface, MagSafe, and Apple Intelligence.
Since Apple tests numerous prototypes during development, it's still unclear which features will actually make it into the final product. If the timeline holds true, the Apple Home Hub could be released in fall 2026. (Image: Shutterstock / SJ_PHOTOS)
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