Apple remains on track to launch its first smart home device with a screen before the end of the year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device will use facial recognition to identify users and serve personalized content, aligning with code found in macOS Tahoe 26.7 revealing support for multiple user profiles and "ambient sensing" identity verification. Apple is also preparing a new Apple TV and updated HomePod mini as part of a renewed smart home push.

The rumored hub features a square, seven-inch display with a front-facing camera, running an OS closer to tvOS than iOS with widget-focused home screen. Pricing is expected around $350. Originally slated for spring 2025, then spring 2026, the launch was delayed to September due to Siri AI readiness issues.

Gurman also reported Apple is rearranging retail store sections to accommodate the new smart home products, signaling imminent availability.