January 13, 2025 – According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is developing a new smart home hub device, rumored to be called the “Apple Command Center” or “HomePad,” which may hit the market slightly later than initially anticipated. The device, originally slated for a Spring 2025 (March) launch, faces potential delays due to the postponed development of the Apple Intelligence feature.
The upcoming product is expected to sport a 6-inch square display, featuring a thick bezel, a top-mounted camera, and an integrated rechargeable battery. It will run on a novel Apple operating system named “homeOS,” emphasizing video applications like FaceTime and various Apple apps. Additionally, the device will adopt a StandBy-inspired dashboard design for easy control of smart home gadgets and will support Apple Intelligence.

Despite persistent rumors and Apple’s apparent readiness to unleash the product, Gurman revealed that the Apple Intelligence function’s progress has been slower than expected, potentially pushing back the launch date. Gurman also mentioned that the operating system, internally known as “Pebble,” is tightly integrated with the upcoming “App Intents” functionality in iOS 18.4 and iOS 19, which might explain the delay.
Nonetheless, Apple is still expected to officially unveil this innovative device in the coming months.
Furthermore, Gurman reiterated Apple’s plans to introduce “LLM Siri,” a more conversational chatbot-style assistant, in iOS 19.4, slated for release in Spring 2026. Alongside, Apple is preparing a range of smart home accessories, starting with a Face ID-enabled doorbell and a privacy-focused security camera.