Home LivingSmart HomeIs Apple making a rival to the Echo Show 15 and Google Nest Hub?Fancy a low-end iPad to control your smart home kit? Apple’s apparently working on itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart HomeIs Apple making a rival to the Echo Show 15 and Google Nest Hub?Fancy a low-end iPad to control your smart home kit? Apple’s apparently working on itWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Fancy a low-end iPad to control your smart home kit? Apple’s apparently working on it
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Until very recently you could use youriPadas a smart home hub, butAppletook that feature away in iPadOS 16. Now it seems we have an explanation: Apple is reportedly working on a low-endiPad-style device that’s designed specifically as a smart home hub, rather like theNest Home Hubor theEcho Show 15.
According toBloomberg, this isn’t a go-anywhere device: it’s designed to be wall-mounted or stuck to your fridge with magnets. And it’ll be more like a HomePod/Apple TVthan an iPad, with a focus on home automation and entertainment.
What to expect from Apple’s home hub
Bloomberg’s describing something that sounds awfully similar to Facebook/Meta’s ill-fated Portal, a smart screen where you can control your music, stream video, FaceTime your family and get status updates from your various smart home devices. Given that any iPad can already do those things, albeit with another device acting as the hub, that suggests Apple is working on something smaller with a lower price tag.
Bloomberg has previously reported that Apple’s home hub would be a cross between a HomePod and an Apple TV, and that Apple is also considering a product that would combine HomePod smart speaker, a FaceTime camera and an Apple TV in a single device. This hub doesn’t appear to be that device, if such a thing even exists.
The home hub is reportedly planned for a 2024 release, and no product name has been revealed as yet. HomePad, anyone?
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
TOPICSappleAmazonapple tvGoogle
TOPICS
If you ever needed proof that cassette players are back, this is itWe Are Rewind has made a portable tape deck so retro it should appear from nowhere in a DeLorean
We Are Rewind has made a portable tape deck so retro it should appear from nowhere in a DeLorean
PS5 could finally be getting Gears of War and Halo after game-changing decisionThe age of exclusives is coming to an end
The age of exclusives is coming to an end
Apple should focus on this video doorbell feature if it wants to beat Ring at its gameWhat I want to see from Apple’s rumoured video doorbell
What I want to see from Apple’s rumoured video doorbell
Apple’s smart home security system is on its way, says expertApple’s reportedly getting serious about the smart home
Apple’s reportedly getting serious about the smart home
All-new Amazon Echo Show 21 and 15 already heavily discounted for Black FridayEven though they’ve just launched, you can get big Amazon Echo Show deals
Even though they’ve just launched, you can get big Amazon Echo Show deals
Amazon Echo Show range expands… literally – new 21-inch model and Echo Show 15 now availableAmazon announces two new Echo Show models, including its biggest yet
Amazon announces two new Echo Show models, including its biggest yet
You can now get the Nespresso Vertuo Pop for under $100 in Amazon’s early Black Friday saleAfter a new coffee machine? This is the deal we recommend
After a new coffee machine? This is the deal we recommend
Apple’s new home hub could be the smart home kit you’ve been dreaming ofMore details on Apple’s wall-mounted smart home hub are emerging – think a more home-focused iPad mini
More details on Apple’s wall-mounted smart home hub are emerging – think a more home-focused iPad mini
Google Home AI update could change the way you use smart cameras foreverGoogle is bringing lots of Gemini AI improvements to its smart home platform
Google is bringing lots of Gemini AI improvements to its smart home platform
Apple’s smart home “wall tablet” could surprise everyone next springThe robotic iPad is still some time away, but a simpler, square hub could launch as soon as March 2025
The robotic iPad is still some time away, but a simpler, square hub could launch as soon as March 2025
