Okay, a huge story from the Apple world dropped! Apple is definitely working on a brand-new smart home hub. This device is going to rely heavily on the much more capable version of Siri that everyone is expecting next year. We've heard rumors about this hub for, like, two years now, but a recent leak from the iOS 26 code finally gives us solid details and confirms what people have been guessing.
Key points
- A recent iOS 26 code leak confirms details of a new Apple smart home hub that has been rumored for two years.
- The hub will feature a 1080p camera, support for Apple Intelligence, and the new version of Siri.
- A major confirmed feature is Face ID authentication, allowing for automatic profile switching based on who is in the room.
- Other rumors suggest the device will have a seven-inch square screen, an optional speaker base, and will launch around March or April 2026.
- The code also revealed a second, never-before-seen accessory (J229) with sensors, believed to be a new Apple security camera.
A source called Macworld says they got their hands on an internal version of iOS 26. This code apparently mentions several new Apple devices, and the home hub is one of them. What did the code hint at? It’s pretty exciting:
- Camera: The hub will actually have a camera. But it looks limited to 1080p resolution.
- Face ID: Yes, the home hub will use Face ID! This is for authentication, but also to figure out who is in the room. That's a huge feature.
- Profile Switching: Because of that Face ID feature, the hub can automatically switch to the correct profile for the person who is talking to it or interacting with it. Apple engineers are even using a special app just to test how accurate this profile switching system is.
- Apple Intelligence: Naturally, the hub will fully support Apple Intelligence and the powerful new version of Siri.
Cross Between iPad and HomePod
Other rumors also suggest what this thing will actually look like. It sounds like a mix between an iPad and a HomePod. It will have a square-shaped screen, probably around seven inches. You'll also be able to get an optional speaker base to go with it.
The expectation is that this home hub will launch right around the same time the new Siri shows up in iOS 26.4. That will likely happen around March or April of next year.
Another Mystery Device
Macworld also spotted hints about something else, identified in the code as J229. This is apparently a "never-before-seen product" that isn't a standalone hub. It is described as an accessory. It has multiple sensors. It can detect alarm sounds, and it can capture images. People think this is probably a new home security camera that Apple is working on to pair with the main hub. No one knows exactly when this camera accessory will launch, though.
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