Apple is reportedly developing six new product categories ahead of Tim Cook's departure as CEO, with the Apple Home Hub featuring Apple Intelligence slated for release in 2026. The move follows Cook's replacement by Ternus in late 2026, and aligns with Gurman's reports of six previously rumored categories: AirPods with Apple Intelligence, an Apple Intelligence pendant, a security camera, a smart display, smart glasses, and a tabletop robot. The spatial computer-like Vision Pro, Apple's last new category in 2024, struggled to gain market traction but didn't deter the company's expansion plans.

Gurman noted the smart display is likely to launch first, with a fall 2026 release window, while the HomePod-like device with a smart display and security camera (leaked in iOS 26 code) fit the pipeline. The security camera is the odd one out, as the other five have been rumored for years, including an AI-powered Siri upgrade to AirPods and a tabletop robot likely years away.

The Tim Cook transition signals a strategic shift as Apple explores new markets, focusing on AI integration across categories. While specifics remain sparse, the six categories suggest a push to deepen Apple's ecosystem with AI-driven devices, building on its existing refreshes of iPhone, iPad, and more.