I don’t know people are disagreeing with my post 100% haha I don’t think I’ve posted anything that has had more people 👎 that the precious HomePod.
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Apple's 2026 Home Hub Could Cost $350
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Problem is, they have nothing to put in it. Nobody’s paying 350$ for Siri….even less Apple Intelligence.
Exactly-- why not build a stand with a speaker in it that you can mount an iPad to? And/or make this a special app and service that they charge for yearly?
This is all about them worried they will lose the home ecosystem to Google and Amazon...and unfortunately for them, it's already happened. They must think they have to compete in this category to safeguard the iPhone and their overall ecosystem.
Pretty sure this will go the way of the home pod. Maybe gets one small revision and then totally forgotten about.
If you’re looking for a solution today, an AirPort Express gen 2, Eve Play, or Belkin Soundform Connect will get you ‘headless’ multi-room Airplay 2 for a very low cost.
Just make it a HomePod with a MagSafe top with essentially an updated Home app in StandBy mode when you attach either an iPhone or an iPad mini.
I agree. This does not need to be a separate device with a screen. The iPad has most of the necessary hardware already built in. The only thing missing is a more powerful speaker.
What sort of comparison is this? This is not an iPad, it’s just a screen on a speaker. It should cost 100-150 at most. Unless the screen is detatchable and it can be used like an iPad.
If they want to focus on their Home products can we get AirPort back. An actual Apple TV would be great too but this is wishful thinking but AirPort must be possible now that they have their own Wifi chip.
They took away they ability to use the iPad as a home hub and now we know why. They want us to spend another 300+ for another product.
>a full tabletop robot is slated for 2027. The robot is similar in design to the home hub, but it includes a 9-inch display and a motorized arm that can move the screen around on a user's workspace. The robot will cost several hundred dollars because of the included components.
What on earth is this 'robot' meant to be for?
What on earth is this 'robot' meant to be for?
HomePad (300), HomePad Air (600) HomePad Pro and Pro Max (900/1100) and HomePad Ultra (1500) with almost no difference other than holding back features by not updating the regular version as often as the Ultra version. That would be typical Apple but this product will flop so no price ladder.
Not reasonable since the iPad has more usecases and features. And don’t forget you have to buy the 999 stand for this product.
That is why they took the ability away to use iPads as home hubs.
If you live alone there is no need. You can control everything from the iPhone and if everyone at home has an iPhone why buy an extra display? The iPhone is already next to you and probably closer.
I have a very established smart home that consists of both Home Assistant and Alexa. While I dont like Alexa too much it's very compatible and Home Assistant is amazing. I have everything from lights, to cameras, to smart blinds, to sensors and thermostats, I have tons of automations set up and to be fair it's all working pretty amazingly.
Where does the Apple Home thingy fit into all this other than looking interesting on my coffee table?
Where does the Apple Home thingy fit into all this other than looking interesting on my coffee table?