The HomeKit Insider podcast broadcasts its final episode this week with guest Brian Tong, announcing a rebrand to Smart Home Insider. The change mirrors Apple's shift from the HomeKit brand to Apple Home, broadening coverage beyond Apple's ecosystem while keeping the same format with rotating hosts.

Discussion centers on Apple's upcoming March 4 special event, where expectations for a next-generation Siri remain unfulfilled. The conversation also touches on the iOS 26.4 beta cycle, which introduces Apple TV in CarPlay and fixes for tvOS—small but meaningful updates for smart home users.

Rumors about Apple developing AI wearables and additional Apple Home devices surface, alongside Tong's personal smart home setup mixing Alexa, Nest, and Siri products. This diversity highlights the fragmented reality many users face despite Apple's branding.

The original HomeKit Insider leaves a legacy of dedicated Apple-focused smart home coverage. Its evolution into Smart Home Insider reflects both industry trends and listener demand for broader, practical advice in an increasingly multi-platform world.