Apple is preparing to refresh its smart-home strategy in 2026, synchronizing a new generation of devices with the rollout of Siri AI expected in iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27 “Golden Gate.” Rumors point to a more powerful Apple TV 4K, an all-new home hub, refreshed HomePods — and potentially an Apple-branded security camera — all optimized to take advantage of the enhanced Siri.
A redesigned Apple home hub
The most distinctive item in this wave is a new home hub that resembles a compact tablet: a 7-inch square display that evokes an iPad in spirit. Two configurations have been reported: a wall-mounted model or a speaker-base design topped by a hemispherical dome — an aesthetic nod to the iMac G4’s stand. The device would include a camera for video calls, facial recognition and presence detection, and could run apps such as Safari, Calendar, Photos and Home. Rumors put the price at around $350, though Apple has not confirmed anything.
Apple TV 4K: more power for Apple Intelligence
The next Apple TV 4K is said to retain the current unit’s form factor while adopting a significantly more powerful processor — A17 Pro or higher — to support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. A higher-performance SoC should unlock new software capabilities on the set-top box that aren’t available today. Reports also mention increased RAM and the integration of an N1 network chip.
