Potential October 2026 Launch for Apple’s AI-Driven Smart Home Hub
Apple’s highly anticipated smart home hub, internally known as J490, is reportedly in its final pre-launch testing phase. Bloomberg suggests that the device could be unveiled as soon as October 2026. Currently, extensive testing is being carried out in employees’ homes, indicating that a public debut may be just around the corner.
Designed to compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub, the device boasts a 7-inch square display, a front-facing camera for facial recognition, built-in microphones, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It can be conveniently placed on a tabletop stand or mounted on a wall. The device operates on a brand new system that merges elements of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS.
Apple envisions the hub as an AI-powered command center for the smart home. It integrates device controls, video calls, intercom, Apple services, and media playback in one central location. The launch of the device is intrinsically linked to the debut of the enhanced Siri AI with iOS 27. Apple reportedly held off on launching the device until Siri was sufficiently advanced to manage an entire home.
With an expected price tag of around $350, the hub will be available in both wall-mounted and tabletop versions. Originally, Apple intended to launch the device in spring 2025, but it was delayed multiple times due to Siri’s readiness.
Source: Digital Trends – Apple’s smart home hub is almost here