Apple enthusiasts eager for fresh smart home hardware will see a wave of updates starting in 2026, but more ambitious projects like advanced robotic accessories won’t arrive until 2027 or even 2028.
According to reports highlighted by AppleInsider, Apple’s AI-powered home automation push is ramping up, with several key devices on the horizon. The company plans to refresh its HomePod mini and Apple TV lineup as early as 2026, while the long-awaited Home Hub could make its debut in the fall of that year.
What to Expect in 2026
• HomePod mini refresh: This update is expected to bring Siri AI capabilities, though it may be relatively modest in terms of other hardware changes.
• New Apple TV: Anticipated to include Apple Intelligence support and possibly a refreshed Siri Remote for better smart home control.
• Home Hub: A standalone display device that can pair with various mounts, including speakers, wall mounts, and articulating arms. This could anchor a more robust Apple Home ecosystem.
These releases align with Apple’s broader AI strategy, which is expected to generate entirely new hardware categories. A dedicated Apple Home segment may appear during a Mac-focused event in October 2026, given the packed schedule for iPhones, Apple Watches, and Macs later this year.
Longer-Term Ambitions (2027–2028)
The more futuristic elements, such as a robotic arm attachment for the Home Hub (potentially paired with an upgraded AI-focused tablet), are still further out. This accessory remains something of a “moonshot” project, with even early concepts like a Pixar Lamp-inspired device still in testing phases.
Why This Matters
Apple’s smart home strategy isn’t just about incremental updates — it’s about building a cohesive, AI-driven ecosystem. With Siri getting smarter, these devices could transform how we interact with our homes, from voice control to automated displays and robotic assistance. However, the staggered timeline shows Apple is prioritizing core updates before venturing into more experimental territory.
MacDailyNews Note: This information comes courtesy of AppleInsider‘s coverage of Bloomberg News‘ “Power On” newsletter. For the full details, check out the original article: Apple’s home automation updates & new product releases will stretch into 2028.
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In the meantime my only Apple-branded Homekit device is a Homepod from 2020… All my cameras, air purifiers, smart vaccums etc. All from 3rd parties. What has Apple been waiting a decade for?
And with humanoid robots evolving so quickly and probably working their way into homes within the next year or two, how embarrassingly irrelevant will an iPad on a robot arm seem. If this is as far as Apple has developed robotics, I fear they will miss another revolutionary technology. What the hell takes them so long to identify and develop inevitable sea changes. They will be the laughingstock of the tech world if they release this basic “robot” technology while young world changers are building the future with budgets a fraction of Apple’s.
I’m thankful for what Tim has done for us as shareholders but September can’t come soon enough. Praying that new leadership gets us back on the cutting edge.
What about for those of us who want a refreshed HomePod? The tennis ball doesn’t deserve to be called the same name.
Automated chat support works best when it handles the common 80% of questions well, and seamlessly hands off to humans for the complex 20%. The goal isn’t to replace humans but to free them for high-value conversations.