Apple Readies 6-Inch Smart Home Hub for Oct. 13 Launch as iMac G4-Style Design Emerges
Updated
Updated · The Verge · Sep 30
Apple Readies 6-Inch Smart Home Hub for Oct. 13 Launch as iMac G4-Style Design Emerges
3 articles · Updated · The Verge · Sep 30
Summary
Oct. 13 is the reported debut date for Apple’s smart-home hub, a plug-in device with a square 6-inch display, front FaceTime camera, speakers and microphones built into its base.
Two versions are said to be coming: a countertop model with a round metal speaker base and tilting arm, and a wall-mounted variant code-named J491 that also uses USB-C power.
The hub is designed to control home devices, handle FaceTime and intercom calls, play audio, show photos, and serve as a kitchen information screen for videos and voice-guided recipes.
Voice and facial recognition will tailor content to individual users, though facial ID is reportedly less reliable than Face ID; an iPhone can provide backup authentication and recovery when recognition fails.
The interface reportedly blends Apple Watch, Apple TV and iPad elements, and the hub is expected to launch alongside updated HomePod mini and Apple TV models as Apple expands deeper into the smart-home market.