Apple's 2026 Home Hub Could Cost $350

[kiranmk2]

So this thing is coming to market in 2026 with technology that was finished in 2024… No one at Apple stopped to think about that?

And no doubt this will launch with the same chip it was originally designed with, rather than bump to the latest version...

As long as they don't remove the ability for an AppleTV or HomePod to act as a home hub (for HomeKit) I guess I don't care if this device becomes available to buy.

If Apple remove the ability of the Apple TV to be a Home Hub, I'm moving over to a different smart home hub provider (Aqara, Switchbot etc)

Sure would make a lot of spare/old phones ‘great again’.

This would really boost Apple's green credentials: offer a HomeOS that can run on much older hardware and sell cases that allow old iPhones and iPads to be connected to a Magsafe-like dock. Sadly, it's all about selling the latest version and consigning non-supported devices to e-waste.

 

[Apple.Fanatic]

goI really don’t understand how so many people are so fine with having the two biggest data collection companies INSIDE THEIR HOME with microphones and cameras sprinkled everywhere.

Ah, yes, because allowing Apple is so much better. Everyone is collecting data from you, not just Google and Amazon. Google and Amazon have a lot of eyes on them and watchdogs; in many ways, they might have more security and protection of my data than most other companies that have lesser data security.

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.

Agree, and they are not wrong in thinking about that. I use plenty of Google services every day, making the switch to Android that much easier. Apple still does many things great, and they've kept me in the fold for most of my life. Another reason why I thought it was so odd was how little interest Apple had in smart home tech. Apple should have acquired Nest when it had the chance.

 

[TumbleDryer]

"It's a HomePod, an iPad and a breakthrough internet communications device... are you getting it?!"

Not Really.

 

[parameter]

At that price, compared to even an expensive Alexa or Google Home device, no way that is going to work in the market. Apple needs to stop this nonsense. This could have and should have been a great product that was and is needed to overtake or even attempt over Alexa (especially).

Not happening at this price point, or even anywhere near it.

Apple should've just taken the profit hit with this first-gen device like they've done in the past with others. If they'd launch this even at $99, it'd be expensive, when you can get an Alexa echo, especially on Prime day or black friday for very cheap (Amazon offers significant deals, probably took profit hit in beginning but look at them now). There's just no way people are going for this other than Apple die-hards, just to get Homekit working, maybe, a bit better.

I was looking forward to this product. But not at this price. Will end up just using an old iPad, and have most of the functionality, and good enough integration with Homekit.

Another HUGELY missed opportunity and very poorly timed product development and launch (Which hasn't even happened yet).

Alexa & Google are going to be here to stay with zero competition.

Alexa+ rollout just happened as well, that AI Alexa, just what I want. 🙄
No thanks, but most other people that get into this space certainly will, especially first-timers.

 

[TumbleDryer]

At that price, compared to even an expensive Alexa or Google Home device, no way that is going to work in the market. Apple needs to stop this nonsense. This could have and should have been a great product that was and is needed to overtake or even attempt over Alexa (especially).

Not happening at this price point, or even anywhere near it.

Apple should've just taken the profit hit with this first-gen device like they've done in the past with others. If they'd launch this even at $99, it'd be expensive, when you can get an Alexa echo, especially on Prime day or black friday for very cheap (Amazon offers significant deals, probably took profit hit in beginning but look at them now). There's just no way people are going for this other than Apple die-hards, just to get Homekit working, maybe, a bit better.

I was looking forward to this product. But not at this price. Will end up just using an old iPad, and have most of the functionality, and good enough integration with Homekit.

Another HUGELY missed opportunity and very poorly timed product development and launch (Which hasn't even happened yet).

Alexa & Google are going to be here to stay with zero competition.

Alexa+ rollout just happened as well, that AI Alexa, just what I want. 🙄
No thanks, but most other people that get into this space certainly will, especially first-timers.

The price is always going to be more from Apple as they don't make money from selling your data like all the others. You have to bear that in mind.

 

[applefella]

I know this is a rumors site, but the images used in the descriptors look absolutely hideous.

I wish we could get a look at the actual Homepod products.

 

[springsup]

I'm convinced Apple does no market research anymore. Zero. Like what is this? Do they know they already sell iPads... that are mobile or stationary?

If they would release a simple magnetic charging dock for iPad, they would massively improve the iPad and make this device obsolete.

 

[dutton]

This is my last-hope product for a lossless, remote controllable & hand-offable way to plug Apple Music into my HiFi. Apple TV can’t do it without a TV screen; HomePods can’t do because they don’t have digital out; AirPlay (2) isn’t lossless; Mac’s can’t do handoff. It’s a shockingly poor offering from Apple and if this new thing doesn’t have a digital out that’s it: I’m off to Spotify & Spotify Connect.

 

[DMinTX]

I hope it will support being a Continuity Camera for an Apple TV for Face Time.

 

[VulchR]

...My home is all Google and Amazon services/products for smart home tech...including the Google Nest Hub Max that I've owned for many years, and Apple is just now perhaps going to make something similar.

How do you feel about Google collecting data on you? I am still trying to find a home security system in the UK that doesn't download data to some company and cost me monthy subscription fees. Serious considering building my own with microcontrollers...

 

[deconstruct60]

Why do I need this when I should be able to the same things using my iPhone, MacBook or iPad?

Those things can all leave your house at the same time. Some folks may have a permanent , stay at home iPad but Apple dropped that from the "Home Hub" list .

They don't really allow. desktop Mac to be home hub either which are not quite as mobile, but those may be turned off by the user. What they need is something that is on 24/7 and running just about all the time. Many types of home sensors ( camera , smoke detector , motion detector , etc) run 24/7. What they pragmatically need is a device that can run all the time.

It can also be helpful in a household where not everyone in the household has a one of those devices. Conceptually a small child could be recognized as an individual small child and get questions answered differently than an adult. ( presuming it is smart enough to personalize specifically to the person talking to it. Voice/Face recognition. ) [ And if stranger in house maybe not talk to that person at all. Or again they get something far more highly restrictive. ]

Apple TV and homePods are plugged in all the time and always on hot standby. Somewhat don't want a battery device here because not going to use it 99.9% of the time and if household power goes off more than likely. the local LAN network goes to out also.

 

[deconstruct60]

This price makes sense. It can't be much more expensive than an iPad.

Yeah, swap the battery in Pad for a AC only power supply. Different screen so put the cost savings there. There is also probably some 'trade up' in SoC here.

I'm looking forward to it. If it has a USB-C 2.0 port for more than just power, I can connect it to my hi-fi and play Apple Music. With the Apple TV, I always need a TV and a remote.

AppleTV might be able to do that without a TV in some circumstances (. AppleTV HDMI out to stereo HDMI in. ). But if talking about adapting to legacy optical or even more legacy RCA jacks, then I wouldn't hold my breadth.

AppleTV and HomePods don't really have this. Extremely doubtful Apple is looking to put an OS on these devices that accept random drivers or load. down the OS footprint would default driver for a cornucopia of stuff. There is likely going to be very high overlap between OS those products are running and this one.

One is wall mounted so where are these other chain of devices connected to. The wire to the outlet probably is enough to make Apple twitchy about the amount of wiring people can see.

Besides, Siri isn't that good on the Apple TV yet. And it is not Hi-Res, only Lossless.

Siri has to get better for this product to even ship. When Siri gets better for this , then it will likely get better for at the very least the new AppleTV.

If this is a "home hub" it possibly could make old AppleTV ship the voice processing here so wouldn't have to leave the home. So even the older AppleTV could get better. Same thing with older homePods. Might be able to make them smarter if there is a local LAN 'brain' they can share.

 

[transpo1]

"It's a HomePod, an iPad and a breakthrough internet communications device... are you getting it?!"

Not Really.

You forgot it's a home stereo, too!

 

[iPhoneFan5349]

Im sure the name is going to be Apple hub or Apple something because they just decided

 

[darngooddesign]

Im sure the name is going to be Apple hub or Apple something because they just decided

Based on the app name they will probably go with Home something.

 

[seanoo]

They can sell it for $349, but we all know it’ll cost $289 on amazon a couple weeks after launch.

 

[e.clinton]

$350 is a lot less than expected. I'd rather pay $600 and put an M5 for future proofing. This would be a device that should last 10 years easily, especially if I'm putting it on the wall.

 

[Alameda]

Apple is so late to the party. Seriously a home is something you upgrade one time typically and stick to the standard. And it’s hard to roll back and rebuy for a new standard. Right now my home came with ring and Amazon echo and everything is tied to that now (security, keypad, garage door, vacuum, washer/dryer). With house prices are I am not raring to buy another home. It would cost thousands just to look cute with a new HomePod when these home hubs have been around for a decade. Apple should have iterated quickly instead of their usual practice of waiting until they perfect that model.

My only nonAmazon is my google nest thermostat I recently upgraded (4th gen) for the sensors and the temp settings are superior to ecobee and Honeywell. I tried using matter standard with my HomePod but it doesn’t work.

Apple was even more late to the mobile phone market. They didn’t have a chance to unseat the likes of Ericsson, Nokia and Motorola. What were they thinking?

If your product outshines the competition, you’ll win.

 

[skit911]

Ah, yes, because allowing Apple is so much better. Everyone is collecting data from you, not just Google and Amazon. Google and Amazon have a lot of eyes on them and watchdogs; in many ways, they might have more security and protection of my data than most other companies that have lesser data security.

Agree, and they are not wrong in thinking about that. I use plenty of Google services every day, making the switch to Android that much easier. Apple still does many things great, and they've kept me in the fold for most of my life. Another reason why I thought it was so odd was how little interest Apple had in smart home tech. Apple should have acquired Nest when it had the chance.

Read their data collection policies. Anything collected is simply for device research or analytics.

Nothing is sold or shared with third parties.

Now go read Google and Amazon’s. Then say what you just said to me again.

How anyone can believe their data is safer with those two companies over Apple is absolutely and completely delusional.

 

[parameter]

The price is always going to be more from Apple as they don't make money from selling your data like all the others. You have to bear that in mind.

I luckily do realize that. However, I'm not really sure how long even Apple is going to stay privacy-focused in a true manner in coming years.

But, while we realize it, the 99% of the main population that is shopping for any "smart" product or hub, will almost always only see "Works with Alexa" and "Works with Google" on nearly all smart devices. Barely any support Homekit, while that will hopefully expand, and with Matter support. I think Apple is just too late in this area.

They'll be able to carve out a small niche, probably smaller than the Homepod users. And it will stagnate.
And no, I'm not hoping for that. I've been waiting for this specific device from Apple for years.

So, we'll all just have to hope and see. But I get your point.

 

[Debauch]

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.

The iPad doesn’t need to be a hub. A wired Apple TV works better for that. I just use the iPad as an interface. Works great.

 

[darngooddesign]

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.

The reality is that the Hub needs to be something guaranteed to be always connected at home and an iPad isnt that. If you think they did it to promote sales of the new Hub thing, then why can you buy a cheap used older Apple TV and use that. No one is stopping you from using your old iPad to control your home network.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

I always thought the HomePod was lame and could be so much better. If I ask Siri about something it would reply with I found some results and can display them if you use your iPhone.

Or I ask Siri to show my porch camera and it would reply with I can’t show you that. I am watching TV on my Apple TV in the same room. So why the [redacted] can’t Siri show me my HomeKit doorbell camera on my Apple TV?

I don’t think a HomePod with a display will solve either of those scenarios unless I happen to standing directly in front of the [redacted] HomePod.

Sounds like another lame product.

How about an Apple TV with a built in or external wired camera so I don’t have to set my phone on top of my TV to use it for FaceTime on the Apple TV.

Or making it a hub for home security with wireless sensors, keypad, cameras, siren, etc.

 

[darngooddesign]

...How about an Apple TV with a built in or external wired camera so I don’t have to set my phone on top of my TV to use it for FaceTime on the Apple TV.

Or making it a hub for home security with wireless sensors, keypad, cameras, siren, etc.

You can use your Apple TV as a home hub.

 

[erihp]

How about an Apple TV with a built in or external wired camera so I don’t have to set my phone on top of my TV to use it for FaceTime on the Apple TV.

Great use for that older phone you have in a drawer though. I always see people wondering what to do with the phone they just upgraded and cant fathom uses for.

Camera built in to an Apple TV is crazy. I dont want to see the box or have to place it somewhere that makes its camera view visible. Also many people dont facetime from their TV so its just added cost