February 11, 2025 – Apple’s highly anticipated smart home hub device may not be hitting the shelves soon, according to recent reports. Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman revealed in his “Power On” newsletter that the device is still “months away” from being released.
Based on Gurman’s statements, the earliest possible release date for the Apple smart home hub could be April of this year, but it is more likely to be delayed until the latter half of the year or even further. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also concurs, stating that the device will enter mass production in the second half of 2025, hinting at a possible launch in September or later.
Gurman had previously emphasized that the smart home hub represents Apple’s “most significant product announcement this year,” marking a “critical first step” for the company in the smart home segment. He described the upcoming device as resembling a “smaller, cheaper iPad,” enabling users to “control appliances, conduct FaceTime calls, and handle other tasks.”
Rumors suggest the device will feature a design akin to a screen-equipped HomePod, possibly sporting a 6 or 7-inch display, powered by an A18 chip, and supporting Apple Intelligence functionalities. Gurman further noted that users will have the option to mount it on a desktop dock with speakers or hang it on the wall.
Moreover, the smart home hub is rumored to operate on a new “homeOS” system, featuring a customizable home screen centered around Siri, Apple Intelligence, and HomeKit. Additionally, it can function as a home security hub, displaying camera feeds, and boasts an integrated camera for FaceTime calls.
With this innovative device, Apple is poised to compete with Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show in the smart home market. It remains unclear whether Apple will brand the device as a HomePod, HomePad, or introduce a fresh identity such as “Apple Home.”
