Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub, featuring a small display, speakers, and heavy AI integration, may include a novel robotic swiveling base that allows it to automatically turn and face users in the room.
According to a new report from The Information, this enhanced desktop version of the device — distinct from prior rumors of a static HomePod-like base or wall-mounted model — could launch as early as spring 2026, coinciding with upgraded Siri features in iOS 26.4.
Ma mentioned the new detail in a piece outlining Apple’s work on an AI pin.
Apple is also working on a home product featuring a small display, speakers and a robotic swiveling base, designed with a heavy emphasis on AI features. That device could be released as soon as this spring, according to two of the people.
We’ve heard a lot of rumors about the home hub because it was supposed to launch in 2025, but to date, no rumors have suggested that it will have a swiveling robotic base. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman previously said that Apple is developing two versions of the hub, one that’s meant to be mounted on the wall and another that has a HomePod mini-like speaker base that can be placed on a desktop or countertop…
Ma did not go into detail on the purpose of the robotic swiveling base, or how it will work, but presumably it would be able to move to face people. The home hub is supposed to have an array of sensors that let it determine when someone is in the room.
MacDailyNews Take: Can’t wait to see it!
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