Apple is reportedly planning to launch a more affordable smart home hub by the end of the year, ahead of its long-rumored advanced tabletop device with robotic features. This lower-end version is expected to feature a tablet-like display, built-in camera, support for Apple Intelligence, and a new operating system. While it may skip some of the premium features of the rumored high-end model, it aims to offer smart home functionality at a more accessible price point.

Apple's new smart home hub could launch later this year

Gurman commented that this device, codenamed J595, has become one of Apple's top priorities in its race to create AI-centric devices.

The idea is to offer a smart display the size of a small iPad, mounted on a robotic arm… pic.twitter.com/GCLFVrPnEG — iPLUG NG 🇳🇬 (@iplugsupport) May 25, 2025

Apple is reportedly developing a futuristic smart home hub, codenamed J595, featuring a robotic arm and a screen similar in size to an iPad. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the device is part of Apple’s broader push into AI-powered hardware and is expected to showcase a “unique AI personality.” Designed to move around on a user’s desk, the device aims to be both interactive and intelligent, but its release has been delayed due to development challenges.

In the interim, Apple plans to release a more affordable version of the device, codenamed J490, by the end of this year. This version will reportedly feature a 7-inch square display, a front-facing camera, built-in speakers, a battery, and support for Apple Intelligence. Its interface is said to combine elements of watchOS and iPhone’s Standby mode, offering a user-friendly control center for smart home functions.

Apple’s smart home hub could reportedly make its debut later this year https://t.co/Ar1VD1Y66e — Engadget (@engadget) May 25, 2025

This initial release will pave the way for the more advanced robotic-arm version, which is expected to follow within the next one to two years. Apple has reportedly streamlined some features in the lower-end model to meet production timelines. While official confirmation is still pending, the company appears set to reenter the smart home arena and compete with established players like Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Nest ecosystem.

All upcoming Apple smart home devices, including rumored products like a smart home camera, are expected to run on a new operating system called homeOS.