Apple’s long-rumored smart home device could become a central hub for managing connected devices, communications and media, while also serving as an important part of the company’s broader artificial intelligence strategy.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device could represent Apple’s approach to creating an “intelligent personal hub” for the home — extending an idea the company already associates with the iPhone to a wider household environment.
The report, published in Gurman’s Power On newsletter, suggests that the rumored smart display, internally referred to as J490, is being positioned as an anchor for the connected home. It is expected to bring together various aspects of a user’s digital life, including smart-home controls, video calling and media consumption.
The device is also reportedly being developed around an operating system with a strong focus on Siri and AI capabilities. Apple is said to be testing the Home Hub in employees’ homes as development continues.
A New Role for Siri
Apple’s plans for the Home Hub appear to fit into a broader strategy of making AI more deeply integrated into its hardware ecosystem.
During Apple’s keynote, new CEO John Ternus described the iPhone as an existing “intelligent personal hub.” The reported Home Hub could extend that concept into the household, providing a central interface through which users interact with connected devices and digital services.
The development also comes as major technology companies explore new forms of AI-powered hardware. Bloomberg’s report links Apple’s strategy to OpenAI’s reported plans for a dedicated hardware product, although details about that product remain limited.
For Apple, the Home Hub could therefore serve a role beyond that of a conventional smart display, potentially becoming the central point for Siri-powered interactions and connected-home experiences.
With the device reportedly undergoing testing, Apple’s plans for the Home Hub could offer a clearer indication of how the company intends to integrate AI into everyday household technology.
iPhone 17 One Year Later: Why It’s Still Worth Considering
A year of using the iPhone 17 has given me plenty of reasons to appreciate it. However, despite its strengths, I still can't say that I truly love the phone.
The iPhone 17 arrived in 2025 as Apple's standard, non-Pro model. For a lot of people, it turned out to be exactly what they wanted. Apple CEO Tim Cook repeatedly highlighted the device's strong sales, describing it as one of the company's most successful iPhones.
For me, getting the iPhone 17 wasn't exactly a carefully planned upgrade. My much-loved iPhone 13 mini was nearing the end of its life, and living in 2026 without a dependable smartphone simply wasn't realistic.
So, I handed Apple a considerable amount of money along with my aging iPhone 13 mini and walked away with the familiar combination of glass, metal and electronics that is the iPhone 17.
After spending a full year with it, my feelings about the device are somewhat mixed.
iPhone 17: A Quick Recap
The truth is that I don't particularly enjoy using a smartphone. In fact, I actively dislike the experience of constantly interacting with my phone, regardless of whether it's an iPhone or something else. At times, it feels more like an obligation than something I actually want around.
That said, smartphones have become useful tools in everyday life, and the iPhone 17 is no exception.
For example, I don't own a car, which means I occasionally depend on ridesharing when walking or cycling isn't practical because of bad weather or a long distance.
Navigation is another feature I genuinely appreciate. Having reliable, constantly updated maps is especially valuable when I'm traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Knowing that I can pull out my phone and find my way around makes traveling considerably less stressful.
The camera is also a major practical benefit. Having a capable camera with me at all times means I can quickly capture photos whenever something catches my attention or I simply need a picture.
Beyond those everyday conveniences, however, there isn't a huge list of things that make me particularly excited about owning the iPhone 17.
Apple’s Home Hub Set to Become the Intelligent Center of Your Home
