Apple’s Rumored Smart Home Hub Could Start at $350
▼ Summary
– Apple’s 7-inch smart home display hub is reportedly launching in Spring 2026 at a price of around $350.
– The device will serve as a central command hub for the home and comes in tabletop and wall-mounted versions.
– The $350 price point matches the original HomePod but is higher than competitors like Amazon’s Echo Show 11.
– Production will take place in Vietnam with BYD as a partner, alongside a new indoor security camera and tabletop robot.
– The launch was delayed from March 2025 due to Siri’s AI overhaul, which also affected the smart display hardware.
Apple’s much-anticipated smart home display hub is reportedly targeting a Spring 2026 launch with a starting price of approximately $350, according to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This places the rumored 7-inch device at the same initial cost as the original 2018 HomePod, positioning it significantly above competitors such as Amazon’s Echo Show 11, which retails for around $220.
Industry sources indicate that Apple is developing two distinct versions of the home hub. One model is designed for tabletop use, resembling a HomePod mini integrated with a screen, while the other is intended for wall mounting. It remains uncertain whether the reported $350 price applies to one specific model or represents a baseline for both variants.
Production for these smart displays, alongside a new indoor security camera and a tabletop robot, is slated to take place in Vietnam. This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing strategy to diversify its manufacturing supply chain. The Chinese automotive manufacturer BYD has partnered with Apple to assemble the home hubs and robotic device.
Originally, Apple had planned to introduce the home hub in March 2025. However, delays in enhancing Siri’s artificial intelligence capabilities have also impacted the timeline for the accompanying smart display hardware, contributing to the revised launch window.
(Source: The Verge)
