Now that Siri AI is ready to launch on iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 Golden Gate, Apple can finally introduce new smart home products designed to work with the smarter version of Siri.
Apple has several new home devices in development, several of which are expected to launch before the end of the year. We’re expecting a new version of the Apple TV 4K, a smart home hub, a new HomePod, and a new HomePod mini.
Welcome Center
Similar in design to an iPad, but with a 7-inch square screen. There will be a wall mount option or a speaker base option. The base of the speaker features a hemispherical dome, similar to the base of the iMac G4. The device will have an integrated camera for video calls, facial recognition and presence detection. It will run apps like Safari, Calendar, Photos, and Home, and integrate with Siri AI. Rumors suggest it could cost around $350.
Apple TV 4K
The next Apple TV 4K will have the same form factor as the current model, but it is expected to have an A17 Pro chip or higher with support for Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. There are no Apple Intelligence features on Apple TV at the moment, so a more powerful chip will bring quite a few changes. It could also get more RAM and Apple’s N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread.
HomePods
Apple is expected to refresh both the HomePod and HomePod mini, but we’re not expecting any new form factors.
The speakers will get new, faster chips and could support Siri AI through the iPhone like the Apple Watch. A faster processor could improve sound quality, and an improved Ultra Wideband chip could bring connectivity improvements and new features.
The HomePod mini should have new colors.
Cameras
Apple is designing its own security camera and it could launch as soon as this year. HomeKit Secure Video cameras get several upgrades in iOS 27, including 4K video recording, AI summaries, and the ability to stitch together video from different cameras to track a single event in rooms.
All of these features would be ideal for an Apple-made camera, so it’s not hard to imagine that the update is aimed at Apple hardware. A 2026 launch is not a certainty for the camera, and it could come later.
Features in the Apple Intelligence Home app require an Apple TV or HomePod to serve as a hub, and Apple’s upcoming Home Hub will likely also serve as a hub for accessories like cameras.
Launch schedule
With so many home devices planned for the end of the year, we could showcase them alongside the new iPhone models at Apple’s September event, or Apple could hold a second home-focused event around the October time frame. Apple often hosts two events in the fall. The second event is usually for iPads or Macs, but there’s no reason why it won’t be about home products this year.
So far, we haven’t heard any concrete rumors about when Apple will launch its smart home devices, but as we get closer to fall, we should hear more.
