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Apple Reportedly Readies 7-Inch Smart Home Hub for Late-2025 Release

Slated for year-end 2025, the J490 hub will feature a 7-inch touch display, an integrated camera, support for Apple Intelligence on homeOS.

The product could be formally introduced at a fall event alongside the iPhone 17 line-up. Pricing and availability details are yet to be confirmed.
The new HomePod will have a far more advanced display than this one -- if it ever arrives.
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Overview

  • Apple is reportedly planning to launch its lower-end smart home hub, code-named J490, by the end of 2025.
  • The touchscreen device is expected to run Apple’s new homeOS, offer a 7-inch square display, built-in camera and battery, and support video apps including FaceTime.
  • Development delays have been caused by challenges in enhancing Siri and integrating Apple Intelligence, though internal testing has reportedly begun.
  • A premium model, code-named J595, is in the works with a robotic arm and AI “personality,” but some advanced features have been pulled to keep production on schedule.
  • Apple’s hub is designed to compete with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub as a central smart home controller.