Apple 'HomePad' to Offer Magnetic Snap-to-Wall Feature and More

[MacRumors]

Apple's upcoming "HomePad" will offer a magnetic snap-to-wall feature and more, according to the leaker and prototype collector known as "Kosutami."

In a new post on X, Kosutami said that one of the HomePad prototypes features a MagSafe-like snap-to-wall capability, along with doorbell integration. It is said to be heavily reliant on Apple Intelligence. They apparently saw this prototype in person.

Apple has reportedly been working on the device for several years, with the aim for it to serve as a centralized location for controlling smart home products, listening to music and podcasts, making video calls, and getting glanceable information like the weather and calendar events. The device is expected to have a 7-inch square display and a front-facing camera.

Kosutami told MacRumors that while the name "HomePad" is being used internally, it is not clear if that is the product name that will actually be used upon launch.

Earlier this week, the leaker said that the HomePad is now set to arrive in the fall of 2026. The fall runs from September to December, and usually coincides with Apple's busiest release period of the year.

The device was originally rumored to launch in early 2025, but due to delays with Apple Intelligence, its apparent release date moved to early 2026, and now to the fall. The rumored release timing means the HomePad could arrive alongside products like the iPhone 18 Pro in September or redesigned MacBook Pro models in October.

Article Link: Apple 'HomePad' to Offer Magnetic Snap-to-Wall Feature and More

 

[Falco McGregor]

To limit supply chain leaks, I could see them following in the path of their other new product categories like the iPhone, Apple Watch and Vision Pro. They’ll show this off during WWDC and highlight any revamped Siri and Home software for developers and have it available in September or October. Clearly this was supposed to happen way earlier, but it looks like WWDC is the most likely launch for any products heavily Siri-dependent like the AppleTV and HomePods.

 

[Jamie0003]

It’s not going to be called homepad. That name is ridiculous, why not just keep it simple and call it the Apple home hub?

 

[ronrather]

does it run (iPad?) apps? Or is it its own thing, like Apple TV?

 

[Falco McGregor]

does it run (iPad?) apps? Or is it its own thing, like Apple TV?

It will probably run some customized version of iOS or iPad OS but it’ll probably be called homeOS. It’s going to need some kind of AppStore.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Kosutami also said that an apple vision Air went into production last April, in a midnight blue finish.

Apple 'Vision Air' Headset Rumored to Feature Thinner, Lighter Design With 'Midnight' Finish

An all new Apple "Vision Air" headset featuring a thinner, lighter design and a "Midnight" blue finish is in the works, according to the prototype collector and leaker known as "Kosutami". In a new post on X, the leaker explained that the "Vision Air" will feature a thinner design and switch the...

www.macrumors.com

Almost a year later, we know that it’s complete nonsense.
I’m sure they have an impressive collection of Apple prototypes, but when it comes to actual released product plans they are way more miss than hit.

Also my BS detector has been activated with several remarks in this article…

It is said to be heavily reliant on Apple Intelligence. They apparently saw this prototype in person.

So they saw a prototype of a product running apple intelligence, software that even people *within Apple* haven’t seen yet? Sure…

Kosutami told MacRumors that while the name "HomePad" is being used internally,

No it’s not.
The name “HomePad” was first mentioned in an article from 9to5Mac, and was pure speculation and openly said to be made up by the author as simple shorthand for the product. Apple *does not* use marketing names internally, everyone should know this.

 

[wanha]

fascinating and more than a little risky for Apple to be basing so many new products around Apple Intelligence.

If they can't get Apple Intelligence to perform consistently at a high level, all of these products are going to fail, and so far, we've seen preciously little evidence that Apple can get their AI efforts to be great.

 

[roncron]

When you upgrade to a new iPad, why not put your previous one on a stand in the kitchen and use it to be the hub for your HomeKit accessories installed throughout the house, announce the weather, play music, sports broadcasts, news, etc. I'm not seeing why we need a new device to perform these functions.

 

[Polaroid]

See this is what TVos needs. The Home Screen should feature widgets.

 

[shornby]

Thank goodness they’ve tabled an upgrade to the ancient Apple TV and directed their efforts toward this stupid vaporware no one asked for. Hooray!

 

[Kylo83]

Isn’t it just an iPad on a wall? Don’t get it

 

[Jamie0003]

It will probably run some customized version of iOS or iPad OS but it’ll probably be called homeOS. It’s going to need some kind of AppStore.

I’m guessing it’ll be an update to TVOS, rebranded as HomeOS

 

[SilmarilFinder]

is said to be heavily reliant on Apple Intelligence.

Oh we are in big trouble

 

[tyranne201]

Why not use your iphone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, watch for controlling devices?

Do we really need a new device for that?

 

[turbineseaplane]

Good lord hurry up on this.

A magnetic attachment is hardly Earth shaking stuff.

 

[svish]

Some kind of MagSafe attachment is highly possible. Hope that Apple Intelligence will be in a better stage when it launches. Waiting to see how Apple will price this.

 

[tyranne201]

I have a smart light switch, its great.

But the idea of a speaker with a screen is not that appealing to me.

 

[nnoble]

Useful for people with metallic walls.🙄

 

[Arran]

Why not use your iphone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, watch for controlling devices?

Do we really need a new device for that?

Quite. If it’s just another wireless mobile device then why bother?

Plus, if it can be picked up and carried around then it can be misplaced. So that’s another advantage gone. The kids will pull it off the wall and lose it under the sofa. You’ll find it when you step on it!

 

[The Game 161]

yeah will need apple care on this bad boy.

 

[npmacuser5]

Why not use your iphone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, watch for controlling devices?

Do we really need a new device for that?

Couldn't agree more!

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Why not use your iphone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, watch for controlling devices?

Do we really need a new device for that?

“Need”? No.
However, will it come in handy? Absolutely.
I already have smart devices I get frustrated with using every once in a while because I don’t have my phone or tablet on me.
Assuming it is done well, having a control center in the main room of the household could make a lot of sense, especially with rumors that Apple will be getting into the smart lock doorbell, security camera business.
Repurposing an old iPhone or iPad might be possible for some people, but, this device will likely have a special controls and widgets based UI specifically for controlling smart home devices first and foremost, something that the iPhone and iPad does not have.
The best you can do with an iPhone or iPad is setting up a home screen with a bunch of home related widgets but even then, it’s still a bit clunky.

 

[Mr_Ed]

I just don’t get need for this device. Why reinvent the display/control side of things? Why not just do the base and allow you to attach your old iPad to it? The base would have the missing smart device hardware (Thread Border Router, etc.) and hardware/software to support the 24/7 smart home hub functionality. Then, make a companion app on iPadOS.

EDIT: Essentially, why not make a better, Apple version of this?

 

[foqus]

fascinating and more than a little risky for Apple to be basing so many new products around Apple Intelligence.

If they can't get Apple Intelligence to perform consistently at a high level, all of these products are going to fail, and so far, we've seen preciously little evidence that Apple can get their AI efforts to be great.

Exactly. Apple Intelligence has to get a LOT better before I will consider switching out my Ring doorbell and Google devices for Apple ecosystem products.

 

[Keymaster]

This sounds like it could just be an app on an iPad, which we already have on the Home app. But, Apple may instead be planning to build something specific to the home setup, which implies they will also introduce some other home hardware as well (doorbell and camera have been rumored). That may make this worthwhile as a separate entity, presuming it's done well and Apple intelligence works as advertised. I guess we'll see in six months or so.