Apple to launch homepod-like smart home hub in 2025, says Mark Gurman

Apple is reportedly gearing up for one of its biggest releases in 2025 – a smart home hub that combines the functionality of a HomePod and an iPad. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this upcoming device is expected to feature a 7-inch touchscreen display and support for Apple Intelligence, allowing users to seamlessly control smart home accessories and connected appliances.

A Game-Changer in the Smart Home Market

In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman described the smart home hub as “Apple’s most significant release of the year.” The device marks Apple's bold entry into the smart home market, offering advanced features such as appliance management, FaceTime capabilities, and gesture recognition. Essentially, it’s being positioned as a smaller, more affordable alternative to an iPad with features tailored for home automation.

The smart hub is rumored to include:

A 7-inch square touchscreen display

An A18 chip for enhanced performance

A customizable lock screen with multiple clock faces

A built-in camera for FaceTime and video conferencing

The design appears to focus on providing users with a central interface for managing their smart home ecosystem while doubling as a communication device.

Competing with Industry Leaders

With the rumored price starting at $1,000 (approximately Rs. 83,740), Apple’s smart hub will directly compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub. Its unique features, such as support for the homeOS operating system (reportedly based on tvOS), are expected to distinguish it in the market.

A New Era for Apple Smart Home Products

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also reported that the device could enter mass production later this year. The addition of this hub, alongside Apple’s existing HomePod lineup, signals the company’s intention to play a larger role in the smart home sector.

With this launch, Apple aims to integrate more deeply into daily household operations, offering a cohesive and premium smart home experience. Stay tuned for more updates as Apple inches closer to revealing this much-anticipated product.