Apple is working on a home hub integrating Siri AI, and it is expected to launch this year. The Home Hub will use a widget gallery that allows users to select the content they want to appear on the device’s home screen.
Mentions of Widget Gallery were found in macOS Tahoe 26.7, an update that leaked a long list of unreleased Apple products. The channels were found in a file named PosterKit-J490, and J490 is the codename for the home hub. PosterKit is Apple’s framework for lock screen customization, and the Hub’s home screen could have many of the same options for icons, widgets, and clock faces.
Apple already uses the Widget Gallery on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to add widgets to the home screen and lock screen of those devices, and the Home Hub will have a similar mechanism.
Based on the code, widgets installed on a linked iPhone will be suggested on the Home Hub, much like how iPhone widgets are available on a Mac without an app installed. It appears that third-party app widgets may be supported in addition to Apple’s own apps. iPhone app widgets displayed on the Home Hub will have information reflected from the iPhone.
All users in the home will be able to see the widgets installed on the Home Hub, but the contents of the widgets will only be visible when the linked primary device is in the home to protect privacy.
A Smart Stack will automatically rotate between widgets to display relevant information throughout the day, and users will also be able to browse the different Smart Stack options. Apple already has Smart Stack on its other devices, including the Apple Watch.
The Home Hub isn’t expected to have its own App Store, but it will support Apple apps like Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, Photos, and Home. By tapping an installed widget from the home screen, you can launch a full app with more information.
Apple’s hub is expected to have a 7-inch square screen with options to place it on a base or mount it on the wall. More information about the device can be found in our guide.
