Apple’s home hub smart display has been the subject of rumours for as long as the wait for the Siri AI assistant, and the device is now reportedly being widely tested ahead of a possible debut as early as next month.
The rumoured display draws comparisons to Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub, suggesting it could handle everything from controlling smart home devices to making video calls and streaming music through Siri AI. Reports indicate the display would use Face ID to recognise whoever is using it, with one version designed to sit on a stand and another that can be mounted on a wall.
What the Smart Display Could Offer
Siri AI’s ability to scan across your iPhone, Mac and other accounts is likely to be a central feature of the rumoured display. The device is said to have its own home screen, widgets and clock faces resembling those seen in Apple’s StandBy mode.
Evidence that a home hub of this kind has been in development for some time continues to build. Beyond rumours stretching back to 2024, Apple has not refreshed its HomePod speaker line since 2023.
HomePod Pricing and Wider Product Refresh
Despite being more than three years old, the most recent HomePod saw a price increase earlier this year, rising by around £40 from roughly £235 to £275 amid an ongoing RAM shortage that has pushed prices higher across the electronics industry. The smaller HomePod Mini also rose from around £78 to £100. Holding off on refreshing the HomePod range would align with plans to introduce a new smart display powered by the improved Siri AI.
While it remains to be seen whether the home hub arrives next month, Apple is preparing for the 23 October launch of the iPhone Duo, the company’s first foldable phone. Apple has also released a number of refreshed products this autumn, including new Mac computers powered by the M6 processor alongside the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, all of which support the new Siri AI assistant.
