iOS 26 Code Leak Reveals Apple Smart Home Hub Details

[H.E. Pennypacker]

This sounds cool in theory, but HomeKit is still the weak link. Random No Response devices, fragile automations, laggy HKSV, and Siri can’t reliably handle basic commands. Building Face ID profile switching and AI on top of that feels premature. Fix HomeKit reliability first.

 

[Jason2000]

This thing is gonna cost an arm and both legs with that feature set

FaceID is the only thing that would increase the price. The rest is normal stuff any of these devices have.

 

[Jason2000]

This resonates. My wife has been waiting to replace the ad riddled Echo Show in the kitchen with something more privacy focused that works with our growing HomeKit system.

Depends on whether they get the new Siri right. The new Alexa is excellent.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Depends on whether they get the new Siri right. The new Alexa is excellent.

Why do none of these screen-assistants have a way to show recipes?!!

The kitchen is the only location we've ever had a smart speaker.

 

[Kidseeghost]

Chances are high this will end up like the HomePod. Will be forgotten and collect dust in Apple Store shelves.

 

[Kidseeghost]

And we call it iPad. Why take the ability away from the iPad to be used as a home hub? Using the iPad as a home tablet is more versatile than this. Just release a magnetic dock as an accessory.

 

[Kidseeghost]

Really? If nothing else it’ll be a great display for iCloud Photos.

We have the iPad. Why not release a magnetic dock letting people use old iPads as home hubs.

 

[Neil Harrison]

it makes my laugh. It’s not even been released and people are moaning/criticising.

If they get this right this will be a great device. If they smash it out the park I will probably get 3!!

 

[Kidseeghost]

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.

Its easier to control everything through the phone which is always near by than from a small screen that is far away on a shelf and is fixed on one spot. Also who will go to that said spot and do face time calls. Either you pick up your phone if its a friend or your laptop if it’s work. Its just another dust collector/spyware in your home that we don’t need.

 

[Kidseeghost]

I don't use iCloud Photos... and it would be a quite expensive device for such use, entry level iPad would do just as good

And it has more features than this HomePad.

 

[Kidseeghost]

1080 is sufficient for FaceTime (video) calls.
Why would you need more?

Just pick up your phone instead of running to the HomePad.

 

[Kidseeghost]

I just want new big Homepods.

Also I think the display will intefere with the soundquality because of reflexions.

I don’t want new big HomePods. I want a Apple soundbar for my Apple TV. Don’t need Siri. Now that we will get the HomePad just turn the HomePod into a sound bar.

 

[Kidseeghost]

Category: things, no one asked for

A decade too late. People are already over smart speakers and screens. Especially now that they become billboards for home.

 

[Kidseeghost]

This thing is gonna cost an arm and both legs with that feature set

Its a HomePod but with a screen so it will probably cost more than a HomePod. 349-399.

 

[digimc]

Category: things, no one asked for

So people want more innovation from Apple but only when they ask for it. But then no one seems to know what they want Apple to create.

People can’t scream that Apple doesn’t innovate or never brings anything new to the market and then turn around and say that nobody asked for this.

 

[Kidseeghost]

Man, all those promises of future functionality. Definitely can't wait for the release of iOS 98 Second Edition 26.4.

Don't buy something based on the promise of future updates.

 

[Kidseeghost]

Are yall ever excited for anything? If you told me this was an Apple hate group this would all really make sense!

If they came up with something useful and exciting, like an Apple Car or a TV soundbar, or Apple TV gaming console, or a real TV, etc. instead of VR headset, which has often failed and has no use cases, or smart speakers/screens, which are an old trend from a decade ago and are now start to fade away again.

 

[Kidseeghost]

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.

Most people I know (including me) got rid of all of that stuff. Maybe its just me but I am done with the Internet of Things. I don’t want a mass surveillance device in my home that also functions as a billboard with ads playing on every screen be it the fridge, smart screens, oven etc. (enshttification). And Siri has no change competing with Google and Alexa for a small market. They are just better. Siri drives you insane. Also I realized all things can be done with the phone too. No need for another device standing on the shelf.

 

[Kidseeghost]

So people want more innovation from Apple but only when they ask for it. But then no one seems to know what they want Apple to create.

People can’t scream that Apple doesn’t innovate or never brings anything new to the market and then turn around and say that nobody asked for this.

That is not innovation

 

[Kidseeghost]

So they'd rather release something like this instead of a new AirPort base station?

I miss the Airport.

 

[iPopHeaps]

Apple is clearly prepping lots of hardware that depends on the new smart/AI version of SIRI. I will be amazed if this version of SIRI gets buried in the iOS 26.4 release. Surely it’s more likely they will delay it again and have it be the primary new feature of iOS 27 even though they will get more brickbats for yet another delay.

 

[Kidseeghost]

I honestly feel a little screen/camera fatigue at this point.

Not only you. Especially younger generations are cutting down screens be it their home, or only cutting down smartphone time. I predict the being screen free will be the next I eat healthy trend.

 

[jonnysods]

May as well just make some type of NFC magnet appliance you attach on a wall and throw your ipad onto and it becomes the hub for your home, no room in our lives at home for another apple device.

 

[Onelifenofear]

Dead on arrival if using a 1080p camera… Ready for HomeKit the refresh.

Distance is the thing you are not understanding.

Reverse: You know cinema screens are only 2k

 

[citysnaps]

To me the Siri brand is very very dead. And has been for many many years. How can the Siri team still have so much sway with Apple top management?
Their performance has been abysmal for over a decade.
I’m not buying anything where Siri is one the main features.

I use Siri many times a day, every day of the week. Zero issues.