October 15, 2025 – According to an article by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman this morning, Apple is gearing up to significantly expand its production operations in Vietnam.
Insiders have revealed that Apple is set to launch a series of innovative home devices in the coming years. Starting next year, the tech giant will introduce an indoor security camera and a smart display that can act as a home hub, controlling various appliances. By 2027, Apple aims to bring a self – moving desktop robot to the market, equipped with motors and sensors.
All three of these products are slated for production in Vietnam. To develop the new home hub and the robot, Apple has entered into a partnership with BYD. BYD will handle the final assembly, testing, and packaging processes, which essentially mean getting the products ready for shipment after production and testing.
In addition to these new devices, Apple is also looking to expand its iPad production in Vietnam in collaboration with BYD. Currently, Apple already manufactures some models of iPads, AirPods, Apple Watches, Macs, and older versions of the HomePod in the country. When approached for comment, an Apple spokesperson declined to respond.
The new home hub device features a square – shaped display of approximately 7 inches. The hardware for this product was completed a year ago. Originally, it was planned to be released in March 2025 along with an updated version of Siri. However, due to delays in the AI software, the hardware launch was postponed. After canceling the launch plans twice in June and October, Apple now has its sights set on a spring 2026 release.
The updated Siri is expected to roll out in March of the coming year. It will be capable of sourcing answers from the internet, similar to ChatGPT, and can precisely control app operations, making it well – suited for managing home appliances, music, and communications.
This home hub comes in two versions. The model with the code name J490 has a speaker base and resembles a HomePod mini with a screen. The other, code – named J491, is designed for wall – mounting. Both versions are equipped with a FaceTime camera and can dynamically adjust the interface based on different users, much like Amazon’s latest Echo display devices. The project was initiated in 2023.
Apple plans to price the home hub at around 350,whichisabout50 more expensive than the full – sized HomePod. The company’s team is currently exploring ways to reduce manufacturing costs to potentially lower the price in the initial release or for subsequent models.
The indoor security camera, code – named J450, is expected to hit the market as early as the end of next year. Meanwhile, Apple is also developing the desktop robot. This robot has a form similar to the home hub display but is mounted on a movable robotic arm, allowing it to adjust the screen angle freely on a user’s workbench or in the kitchen.
The development of this robot has been delayed to about two years from now due to the complex design of the motor system and the need to further refine the AI application scenarios. Apple anticipates that the robot will be priced in the hundreds of dollars. Reports indicate that the project has its roots in Apple’s discontinued self – driving car program, during which the team focused on robotics research.
Apple is also in the process of researching and developing manufacturing robotic arms and exploring the creation of a mobile robot similar to Amazon’s Astro. In addition to having motion capabilities and a new, more natural – sounding Siri, the desktop robot will feature a display of about 9 inches, larger than the 7 – inch screen of the home hub. Both products will use low – cost LCD panels supplied by Tianma Microelectronics, rather than Apple’s latest display technologies.
