It was already clear that Apple plans to launch a Smart Hub in the style of the Google Home Hub. This is a special 6-inch screen for your smart home environment in combination with a HomePod.
The smart screen should become the central hub within the Apple ecosystem. The HomePad provides access to the Home app for controlling smart devices, as well as several other apps.
Apple’s Smart Home display
The rumor that Apple is working on a smart speaker with a larger screen has been around for a few years. According to a recent rumor, Apple seems to be coming up with this new product soon, and we can expect the smart screen with speakers in 2026.
The ‘HomePad’ provides access to the Home app to control smart devices, among other things. The number of available apps is limited, including the Calendar app with reminders, Notes, FaceTime, a clock with alarm function, and some third-party apps.
HomePad with 7-inch display
The square six- to seven-inch multi-touch screen resembles an iPad and is about the size of two iPhones side by side. Unlike an iPad, the display is more square and has thick edges. This includes, among other things, a camera for FaceTime.
Central place for your smart home
The screen will take the central role in your Apple smart home, for which Apple will introduce various confirmations. Bloomberg previously reported a mounting system to mount the screen on the wall. In addition, a pedestal with additional speakers for the table would also be available. This makes it likely that Apple will release the HomePad in these two variants.
From the device you can easily control your smart devices and manage the security of your home. You may also be able to immediately view your Matter or HomeKit cameras. The smart screen will be a standalone product, but it is planned to work with other Apple products.
HomePad will appear later than hoped
Apple’s long-awaited smart home hub, nicknamed ‘HomePad’, will be released later than expected. According to reliable rumors the launch will be postponed to autumn 2026, instead of early this year. This delay follows earlier reports of an early 2026 release, caused by challenges with updated Siri in combination with Apple Intelligence.
The price of Apple’s Smart Home Display is not yet known; there are rumors of a target price of $350, which in euros could amount to €399 or more. It is still unclear whether this includes the speaker.