Apple Prepares for Major Smart Home Expansion as Siri AI Sets the Stage for New Hardware

Furthermore, a refresh of the full-size HomePod is also in development. While the second-generation HomePod was released relatively recently, it lacks the advanced silicon required to run the most sophisticated versions of Apple’s new AI. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has indicated that a third-generation model is in the works, focusing on deeper integration with the broader Apple Intelligence ecosystem to ensure that Apple’s premium speaker remains a competitive "smart" device.

Later down the road: Security and robotics

Looking further into the future—specifically late 2026 and into 2027—Apple’s ambitions extend beyond simple speakers and hubs. The company is reportedly planning to enter the home security market with its own branded accessories.

Historically, Apple has relied on third-party manufacturers to create cameras and doorbells that support HomeKit Secure Video. However, the company is now preparing its first first-party smart home security camera and a smart home doorbell. By controlling the hardware, Apple can offer a level of privacy and ecosystem integration that third-party manufacturers struggle to match. These devices will likely leverage Apple’s advanced computer vision technology to provide superior facial recognition and package detection, all while maintaining the end-to-end encryption that has become a hallmark of Apple’s brand.

Perhaps the most experimental project in development is a high-end version of the smart home hub that incorporates robotics. This device is described as a tabletop robot featuring a large, 9-inch display mounted on a motorized robotic arm. The arm would allow the screen to tilt and rotate, following a user around a room during a FaceTime call or adjusting its position to provide the best viewing angle for a recipe or video.

This tabletop robot represents Apple’s long-term vision for the home—a move toward "ambient computing" where technology is not just a tool used by the consumer, but an active participant in the environment. While this product is still several years away from a potential commercial release, its existence in Apple’s R&D pipeline underscores the company’s commitment to reclaiming the domestic space.

The common thread across all these upcoming releases is the transformation of Siri. For years, Apple’s home hardware was held back by software that couldn’t keep up with the hardware’s potential. With Apple Intelligence, the company is finally ready to provide a brain that matches the brawn of its silicon. As these products begin to hit the market over the next several months and years, the Apple home ecosystem is set to evolve from a collection of accessories into a cohesive, AI-powered experience.