Apple is accelerating its entry into the smart home space with an AI-focused hardware lineup. The company is committed to broadening its reach beyond the iPhone, building a fully integrated home device ecosystem by 2026 and 2027.
Driven by new AI technology, this effort features a virtual companion, a tabletop robot, a smart home display, and AI-enabled security cameras. Additionally, Apple is moving development and production to Vietnam to reduce its reliance on China.
Key Upcoming AI Home Devices (2026-2027)
- Tabletop Robot Companion (2027): An iPad-like device on a mobile arm, this robot uses advanced AI to track and interact with people in real time. It initiates conversations and suggests options such as restaurants or recipes.
- Smart Home Display (Spring 2026): Called J490, this 7-inch touchscreen hub mounts on a wall or base, runs Apple’s new OS, and is designed for multi-user home control.
- AI-Powered Security Cameras (Late 2026): Apple’s battery-powered indoor cameras, called J450, feature facial recognition and infrared sensors to compete directly with Ring and Nest.
AI Expansion Beyond The Phone
- New Siri (Targeted for 2026): Apple plans to overhaul Siri in conjunction with the launch of new home devices, enhancing its conversational abilities with large language models.
- Other Wearables: Apple is also exploring AI-focused products, including AirPods with cameras, a wearable AI pendant, and other smart devices. Their release timelines remain to be determined post-2026.
Manufacturing And Planned Changes
- Manufacturing Focus: Apple is moving production of new home products to Vietnam in collaboration with BYD, representing a significant departure from its traditional manufacturing model.
- Charismatic OS: Both the smart display and robot will run this new multi-user operating system, purpose-built for the smart home. The OS prioritizes voice controls and interactive widgets, enabling multiple users to seamlessly operate home devices. Unlike traditional platforms, Charismatic or Home OS enables quick access to home functions without relying on individual apps.
Market Context
Apple is pushing this initiative to spark growth after software core product sales and minimal Vision Pro traction with a unified smart home sale. In its Matter-based strategy, Apple aims for true home integration and synergy.
Next Smart Home Hub has been in the news recently, and new details about its launch date and price have surfaced online. The HomePod was planned for release in March 2025. Apple is reportedly setting up a manufacturing hub in Vietnam with BYD to prepare for production. The device is expected to feature a 7-inch display, a built-in FaceTime camera, and possibly support for Apple Intelligence.
Apple’s Smart Home Hub Could Feature a 7-Inch Display.
According to Bloomberg, Apple completed the hardware for its smart home hub, with a seven-inch-square display, about a year ago. The company originally planned to launch it with an updated Siri assistant in March 2026, but delays in the AI software have pushed the actual launch to spring 2026.
The new series update, expected to launch in March 2026, may introduce more features and improved in-app controls. These updates help the smart home hub manage appliances, music, and communications after that date.
Apple is working on two versions of the new home hub. The J490, featuring a display on a speaker base, will be introduced first, followed by the J491, designed for wall mounting. The wall-mounted model was finished soon after the table-top version, both scheduled for release starting in spring 2026.
Both the J490 and J491 are expected to include a FaceTime camera and software that adapts to users. The system may recognize the camera.
Apple reportedly plans to sell the new home hub for approximately $350, which is about $50 more than the current full-sized HomePod and higher than comparable offerings from Amazon and Google.
Reports indicate that Apple’s operations teams are seeking ways to reduce manufacturing costs, with the aim of potentially lowering prices for both initial and future releases.
Apple To Produce Home Hub In Vietnam
Additionally, the report claims that Apple is planning to expand its manufacturing footprint in Vietnam. The report also says Apple plans to expand manufacturing in Vietnam as part of its effort to move production beyond China. This could help Apple as it enters the smart home hardware market, including indoor security cameras and a display for controlling appliances. These devices will be manufactured in Vietnam in partnership with BYD, Bloomberg reported. The company also plans to expand iPad production in Vietnam with BYD.
Apple is also reportedly working on a tabletop robot with a motorized arm, which could launch in 2027.
Source: Apple’s Smart Home Hub Slated to Launch in 2026 With $350 Price Tag: Report
