Apple's ambition to become a smart home hub has never stopped, and reports indicate that Apple is internally developing a device codenamed "HomePad".New smart screen deviceThis product will not only feature a MagSafe-like "magnetic wall-mounting" function, but will also deeply integrate with smart doorbells and Apple Intelligence. However, to enhance the AI experience, this highly anticipated product is rumored to be delayed until the fall of 2026 for its official launch.
Convenient as MagSafe: A smart hub that magnetically attaches anywhere
Reports indicate that this device, tentatively named "HomePad" internally, offers great flexibility in its design, and even suggest that a prototype design has already been seen.
• Magnetic wall-mounting design (Snap-to-wall):The prototype features a magnetic attachment similar to MagSafe, allowing users to easily attach it to a wall or remove and move it as needed.
• Smart doorbell integration:As the central hub of the home, HomePad will be deeply integrated with the smart doorbell system, allowing users to directly view the situation outside the door and conduct voice conversations through the screen.
• 7-inch square screen and front-facing camera:It is expected to be equipped with a 7-inch square display and a front-facing camera to meet the needs of FaceTime video calls and home monitoring.
Plus: It (might) features MagSafe like snap-to-wall feature according to one specific revision of the ongoing prototypes I've got seen in person. As what I said, it can rings your door. And highly Apple Intelligence integration featured also. https://t.co/6CzsbL7IgV
— Kosutami (@Kosutami_Ito) March 6, 2026
AI's success and failure: Release date repeatedly delayed.
HomePad's core mission is to be a centralized control center for the smart home. Besides controlling HomeKit devices, playing music and podcasts, it can also provide readily available information such as weather and calendar updates. All of this relies heavily on Apple Intelligence.
The report suggests that the product's release has been repeatedly delayed because of the need to wait for Apple Intelligence features to be fully developed and adapted.
Looking back at previous rumors, this smart screen was originally expected to launch in early 2025, then postponed to early 2026. Now, reports indicate that its release date has been further delayed to the fall of 2026 (between September and December). This means that the "HomePad" is very likely to debut around the same time as the 2026 blockbuster—the iPhone 18 Pro series—or the newly redesigned MacBook Pro in October.
Current rumors about "HomePad" are summarized as follows:
| Rumored Project | details |
| internal code name | HomePad (final launch name may change) |
| Screen specifications | 7-inch square display with built-in front-facing camera |
| Installation method | Supports magnetic wall mounting design similar to MagSafe. |
| Key Highlights | Deeply reliant on Apple Intelligence, seamlessly integrated with smart doorbells |
| Estimated publication time | Fall 2026 (possibly unveiled at the iPhone 18 launch event) |
Analysis of viewpoints
Apple's approach to the smart home sector has always been relatively conservative. While the HomePod series boasts excellent sound quality, it has always lacked a piece of the puzzle in terms of "visual interaction."
The emergence of "HomePad" is clearly intended to address this pain point. In particular, the "magnetic wall mounting" design concept breaks the traditional limitation that smart screens can only be "fixed on the tableside," allowing this screen to serve as a smart switch panel on the wall, be easily taken to the kitchen to view recipes, or placed on the bedside table as a smart alarm clock.
However, hardware has never been Apple's biggest challenge. The real key lies in whether Apple Intelligence can demonstrate semantic understanding and automated control capabilities that surpass traditional Siri in home scenarios. If the system can only execute rigid on/off light commands, then even the most beautiful screen is nothing more than an expensive digital clock.
