Apple's long-awaited Home Hub will reportedly arrive on October 13th, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The Echo Show-like device, rumored for years, will be at the center of Apple's expansion into smart home technology and a key launch under CEO John Ternus. Gurman said the device, with display, camera and microphone, appeared in macOS Tahoe 27.6 under code-name J490.

It will feature a 6-inch square display in countertop and wall-mounted versions, possibly resembling the 2002 iMac with its pivoting display on a half-sphere base. An updated version with a nine-inch display and robotic arm is also in development. The hub will run an OS combining features from multiple Apple systems and showcase the new Siri AI assistant.

It will use face and voice recognition to personalize content, adapting when recognized individuals approach, and include a visitor mode to hide personal data. Facial recognition will be less accurate than iPhone Face ID but can be set up for secondary authentication. A white ring light will improve user illumination.

The device will control thermostats, door locks, and other connected devices, support video calls, intercom, iCloud photo slideshows, and music streaming. Apple also positions it as a kitchen information hub for recipes, videos, and FaceTime calls while cooking. Originally slated for 2024, the launch was delayed due to Apple Intelligence issues, but with Siri AI launching this month, the Home Hub may finally arrive.