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iOS 26 Code Leak Reveals Apple Smart Home Hub Details

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Apple is working on a smart home hub that will rely heavily on the more capable version of Siri that's coming next year. We've heard quite a bit about the hub over the last two years, but a recent iOS 26 code leak provides additional insight into what we can expect and confirms rumored features.


Macworld claims to have access to an internal version of iOS 26 that references several upcoming Apple devices, including the home hub. The site said that the code hints at these options:
  • Camera - The device will have a camera, but it will be limited to 1080p.
  • Face ID - The home hub will use Face ID for authentication and to identify who is in a room.
  • Profile switching - With the Face ID feature, the home hub will be able to switch to the profile for the person in the home who is interacting with the device. Apple engineers are apparently using an app to test the accuracy of the system.
  • Apple Intelligence - It will support Apple Intelligence and the new version of Siri.
Other rumors suggest that the home hub will be something of a cross between an iPad and a HomePod. It will have a square-shaped screen that's around seven inches, and an optional speaker base. We're expecting the home hub to launch right around the time that the new version of Siri comes out in iOS 26.4, likely March or April.

Macworld also spotted signs of another device, identified as J229. This is apparently a "never-before-seen product" that has multiple sensors that can detect alarm sounds and capture images, but it is an accessory rather than a standalone device. Apple is rumored to be working on a home security camera to go along with the home hub. There's no word on when the camera could launch.

Article Link: iOS 26 Code Leak Reveals Apple Smart Home Hub Details
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/11/ios-26-home-hub-leak/
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jarman92 said:
Really? If nothing else it’ll be a great display for iCloud Photos.
Click to expand...

But don't you get that also with your Apple TV hardware? I'm not sure I want a dedicated screen sitting on a counter running through iCloud Photos. I get that some people might like that, but without more differential function than that, I can't see it. "Let's see what happens" seems like the most positive I can get about it.
 
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jarman92 said:
Really? If nothing else it’ll be a great display for iCloud Photos.
Click to expand...
With a 7" square screen?

I sort of like the idea of this if executed well. A wall mounted home hub that the family can use to access smart home controls, calendars, notes, to do/shopping lists and recipes and quick Facetime calls. Optional Homepod dock to give better sound and act as a smart speaker and allow the screen to be moved between a wall mount and Homepod dock. Hopefully with a useful, context aware Siri to operate via voice. The main problems I can foresee is Apple will overcharge for it, Siri will still be underbaked and the hardware will be a generation behind (if these have been sat around from the original anticipated launch earlier this year, I can see them running A18 chips).

Probably a wait and see product in gen 1. I'm more interested in the new Apple TV that is likely also waiting the Siri roll out.
 
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MacRumors said:
  • Camera - The device will have a camera, but it will be limited to 1080p.
  • Face ID - The home hub will use Face ID for authentication and to identify who is in a room.
  • Profile switching - With the Face ID feature, the home hub will be able to switch to the profile for the person in the home who is interacting with the device. Apple engineers are apparently using an app to test the accuracy of the system.
  • Apple Intelligence - It will support Apple Intelligence and the new version of Siri.
Other rumors suggest that the home hub will be something of a cross between an iPad and a HomePod. It will have a square-shaped screen that's around seven inches, and an optional speaker base. We're expecting the home hub to launch right around the time that the new version of Siri comes out in iOS 26.4, likely March or April.
Click to expand...

This thing is gonna cost an arm and both legs with that feature set
 
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We just bought one of the home calendar screens...I still need to set it up, but trying to do the same thing in a 7" screen seems like a bad idea. I do like the idea of having this act like the old iMac that had the screen on an arm...having that move around and interact with people would be pretty cool. It doesn't sound like that's the plan though.

Apple really needs to get its act together more on the home stuff. There are useful things, but it's missing the usual Apple layer that makes it easy to use and interact with. It can work well, though a lot of the limits are because of the hardware connecting to HomeKit...an Apple doorbell would be a great thing, all the ones I have tried so far are flaky. But can Apple compete with all the products out there in a way that makes sense for Apple?

Apple should be designing a system that takes sensors and makes them into an integrated whole, and allow us to add all the stuff we want and still have it work smoothly. I'm going to pick up some of the coming IKEA devices, and have ideas on how to make a lot of things work together, but the "it's so simple" that Apple usually does is just missing, and they make nothing that's really useful for it so far. Hopefully they get their act together, it's a good sign that they are making this device and the investment to improve things...hopefully it doesn't suck and sells well enough that they don't decide to pitch the entire thing.
 
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Tell you right now I'm giving Apple another dollar for any hardware device that promises any kind of smarter Siri integration after iPhone 16 pro. I'll believe it when I see it confirmed as working well by dozens of reviewers and news sources over a course of 3-6 months.
 
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Many have had Google and Amazon devices. How have they worked out? Honest question.

And Siri has to be a lot better than it is now. And I struggle with HomeKit. The interface is difficult for me. And I've been trying to write a Shortcut and it seems to be a bad interface too. Can't keep two variables straight.
 
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iToph said:
Category: things, no one asked for
Click to expand...
Maybe, but I'm sure apple feels it needs to be in the home automation space because everyday more and more devices are becoming "smart" and need to be connected to wifi. It would be silly for apple to simply ignore this huge market and let other companies become the dominant players in it.

While I have no interest in a home hub at the moment, I am interested in seeing what apple comes up with and am glad they are going to offer something inside the apple ecosystem. One of the products I am particularly interested in are smart window shades that can be controlled by my iphone, ipad, or mac.
 
IMO a home hub should be an optional accessory meaning it should not be required to have a connected smart home. As long as I can control all of my smart devices from my iphone, ipad, or mac I'll be willing to continue investing in home automation hardware.
 
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I'm excited about HomeKit and all of that, really, can't wait to retire Alexa, but I'm going to be annoyed if the next Apple TV box has been delayed so there can be some giant event tying things together next autumn. I'm sure those of you waiting for Airtag 2s will probably feel the same way if they're similarly held up.
 
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