Apple’s smart home hub could reportedly make its debut later this year
Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its first smart home hub, codenamed J490, by the end of 2025. This device aims to integrate Apple’s ecosystem into a centralized home control center, blending features from the HomePod, iPad, and Apple TV.
🔍 Key Features of the Apple Smart Home Hub
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Display: The hub is expected to feature a square 7-inch display, optimized for home control and multitouch gestures .
- FaceTime Camera: A front-facing camera will allow for video calls directly from the hub, positioning it as a communication station for areas like the kitchen or living room .
- Built-In Speakers: High-fidelity audio is anticipated, though not on the same level as the HomePod, providing quality sound for music and calls .
- homeOS: The device will reportedly debut a new operating system called homeOS, blending elements of iOS, watchOS, and StandBy mode, designed specifically for smart home control .
- HomeKit Integration: Serving as a HomeKit hub, it will support Matter and Thread protocols, enhancing automation, device syncing, and Siri control .
- App Support: Native support for Apple Music, Apple TV, News, Calendar, Notes, and more will position the device as both a utility and entertainment center .
🤖 Advanced Model: J595
In addition to the J490, Apple is reportedly developing a more advanced model, codenamed J595, featuring a robotic arm that allows the screen to move autonomously around a user’s desk. This version aims to support advanced AI capabilities for home security, videoconferencing, and high-quality media playback. It may be priced around $1,000 and is expected to release a year or two after the J490 .
🗓️ Release Timeline
The J490 smart home hub is anticipated to be introduced at a fall event alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. While the exact pricing and availability details are yet to be confirmed, the product could be formally introduced later this year .
Apple’s entry into the smart home hub market signifies a strategic move to compete with existing smart displays from Amazon and Google, offering a device that integrates deeply with its ecosystem and emphasizes user privacy.