
Apple’s Most Exciting 2025 Launch Might Not Be an iPhone—It’s a Smart Home Hub
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While the tech world is buzzing about the upcoming iPhone 17 Air, Apple’s most groundbreaking release in 2025 may actually be something entirely different: an AI-powered smart home hub.
According to Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to enter a new market segment with a Home Hub, a 7-inch smart display designed to control smart home devices, make FaceTime calls, and serve as a central AI assistant for households. This device could be the first step in Apple’s larger smart home strategy, with even more advanced products expected in the future.
What is Apple’s Home Hub?
Gurman describes the Home Hub as a HomePod with a screen, making it a compact yet powerful device that combines Apple’s smart home expertise with AI-driven capabilities.
Here’s what we know so far:
- 7-inch display (previously rumored to be around 6 inches).
- Thick bezel with a top-mounted camera for FaceTime calls.
- Rechargeable battery for portability.
- Built-in speakers for music and Siri interactions.
- Proximity sensors to detect when a user is near.
- Runs a new operating system codenamed Pebble.
- Interface inspired by watchOS and StandBy mode, with Siri as the primary method of interaction.
Why This is a Big Deal
Apple’s Home Hub isn’t just another smart speaker—it’s Apple’s first real step into the smart home ecosystem beyond HomePod and Apple TV. If successful, this device could pave the way for more AI-powered home products and services.
A Glimpse into the Future: Apple’s High-End Smart Home Device
While the Home Hub will be a more affordable, entry-level device, Apple is already working on a premium version set to launch in 2026 or 2027.
This high-end smart home device will reportedly feature:
- A robotic arm that allows the screen to tilt, rotate, and follow users around a room.
- An iPad-like display with advanced AI-driven interactions.
- Pricing around $1,000, making it Apple’s most advanced home automation device yet.
Apple’s Growing Smart Home Ecosystem
Beyond the Home Hub, Apple is also rumored to be working on its own smart doorbell with Face ID and a security camera—potentially expanding its smart home product line even further.
If Apple successfully integrates AI, HomeKit, and security features, the Home Hub could be just the beginning of a larger push into the connected home market.
When Can We Expect It?
Apple is expected to unveil the Home Hub later this year, possibly in fall 2025, alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. If it delivers on its rumored features, it could be a game-changer for Apple’s presence in the smart home industry.
Final Thoughts
While the iPhone 17 Air will undoubtedly capture headlines, Apple’s Home Hub could be the product that truly changes how we interact with our homes. With AI at its core and an expanding smart home ecosystem, Apple is gearing up to make a serious impact in home automation.
Stay tuned—2025 could be the year Apple reinvents the smart home!