After years of will-they-or-won’t-they speculation, a new leak suggests Apple’s mysterious home hub, unofficially dubbed “HomePad” by the rumor mill, could actually see the light of day later this year. But as anyone who’s followed this rumor knows, patience might still be required.
According to Kosutami, a leaker and prototype collector with a solid track record of uncovering unreleased Apple products, the device is now slated for a fall 2026 debut. The leaker posted on X with characteristically cryptic phrasing: “Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming.”
A follow-up post added simply: “Clearance: HomePad at Fall.”
This aligns with Apple’s typical fall launch window for iPhones and MacBooks, potentially positioning the HomePad alongside products like the iPhone 18 series or redesigned MacBook Pro models.
What we think we know
The device has been in development for several years, with Apple reportedly aiming to create a centralized command center for smart homes. Here’s what’s been pieced together from multiple reports:
The display: A square-shaped 7-inch screen with thin bezels, available in black or white. Kosutami noted seeing one prototype revision that “features MagSafe like snap-to-wall feature,” suggesting magnetic mounting options.
Two versions: One designed for wall mounting, another with a speaker base resembling a HomePod mini for countertops or desks.
Camera and sensors: A front-facing ultra-wide camera with Center Stage for FaceTime calls. Built-in sensors would detect when someone approaches and automatically adjust the screen content based on who’s present. Face ID might handle profile switching.
Under the hood: The A18 chip to handle Apple Intelligence features on-device, according to iOS code discovered by Macworld. Kosutami also mentioned “highly Apple Intelligence integration.”
The Siri factor: Voice commands will be central to the experience, with reports suggesting Siri could get a personified look, one design described as reminiscent of the Mac Finder icon.
Price point: Around $350, according to multiple outlets.
Why the long wait?
The HomePad was originally expected in early 2025, then pushed to early 2026. Now it’s fall 2026. The real reason for the delay appears to be Siri’s soul-searching. Apple reportedly did not want to launch a home hub until its voice assistant was truly “intelligent.”
The plan was always to debut the HomePad alongside a major Siri overhaul powered by large language models. That upgrade kept getting delayed, and the hardware stayed shelved with it.
The HomePad would represent a significant expansion, given that competitors such as Amazon and Google have offered smart displays for years.
The device is expected to run a custom OS codenamed “Charismatic,” built for shared household use with clock faces, widgets, and glanceable information, such as weather and calendar events.
Learn more about Apple’s planned Siri overhaul and chatbot ambitions.
