Apple’s long-anticipated Home Hub is expected to launch in 2026, priced around $350. The device is set to expand Apple’s home ecosystem with a dedicated display, integrated speakers, and deep compatibility with Apple’s growing AI and automation features.
Sources indicate that BYD, one of Apple’s key manufacturing partners, is preparing to assemble the Home Hub in Vietnam. This move reflects Apple’s continued effort to diversify production outside China, while strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia for next-generation home devices.
Home Hub marks a strategic addition to Apple’s product lineup — positioned between the HomePod and iPad — serving as a central control point for smart homes powered by Apple Intelligence and HomeKit.
Pricing and Design Details
The estimated $350 starting price positions the Home Hub competitively against similar devices from Google and Amazon, which already dominate the smart display segment. Reports suggest that Apple will offer multiple configurations, possibly including a version with an integrated camera for FaceTime and video calls.
Early prototypes reportedly feature a 7-inch display with thin bezels, similar to the current iPad mini’s size, along with a magnetic mounting system for use on walls or stands.
Apple is said to be focusing on clarity, simplicity, and privacy — key elements of its smart home approach. Instead of replicating the full iPad interface, the Home Hub’s display will emphasize contextual widgets, Siri interactions, and shortcuts for controlling lighting, media, and connected accessories.
BYD’s Role in Manufacturing
According to supply chain reports from Asia, BYD is currently in advanced negotiations with Apple to oversee assembly of the Home Hub at its facilities in Vietnam. The move extends a growing partnership that already includes battery components and iPad manufacturing.
BYD’s increasing role signals Apple’s effort to reduce dependency on Foxconn and to balance its production ecosystem geographically. Industry analysts note that Apple’s collaboration with BYD also supports faster scaling for medium-volume devices like the Home Hub, which may serve as a new product category rather than a direct successor to existing hardware.
The decision to locate assembly in Vietnam aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of regional diversification. Over the past two years, Apple has expanded its supplier base in Southeast Asia to improve resilience and mitigate supply-chain risks.
Integration With Apple Intelligence and HomeKit
The Home Hub is expected to act as the physical anchor for Apple’s home automation and AI integration strategy. It will run a customized version of HomeOS — a variant of tvOS adapted for voice, gesture, and visual control — designed to synchronize with iPhones, Macs, and Vision Pro headsets.
With the inclusion of the M5 chip, the device will support Apple Intelligence for on-device processing of voice commands and contextual automation. For example, it will be able to adjust lighting or play music based on routines learned from user behavior without cloud dependency.
The Home Hub’s speaker array will integrate Spatial Audio technology derived from the HomePod, while microphone arrays enable precise Siri detection across larger rooms.
The upcoming Home Hub could play a key role in Apple’s broader plan to unify its smart ecosystem under the Apple Intelligence framework. Analysts expect it to serve as both a home controller and a local AI node, bridging functions across devices while preserving privacy and low-latency performance.
If pricing remains at the projected $350 mark, the Home Hub will undercut premium tablets while still delivering higher build quality and a focused set of features for smart home users.
With production likely to begin by mid-2025 and shipments targeted for early 2026, Apple’s entry into the smart display category could redefine its position in the home automation market — offering a balance between affordability, privacy, and ecosystem strength.
