Apple’s Renewed Focus on the Smart Home: What to Expect in 2026
Apple has been steadily building its presence in the smart home market for years, with HomeKit, the Home app and a growing ecosystem of compatible devices. The arrival of the Matter smart home standard has further expanded the possibilities. Whereas, 2026 appears to be a pivotal year for Apple, with a range of new products anticipated to significantly strengthen its position.
A History of Smart Home Innovation
Apple’s first dedicated smart home product, the HomePod, launched in 2018. However, the foundation of Apple’s HomeKit platform was laid earlier, with the introduction of the Apple TV and tvOS in 2015. For many, the Apple TV serves as the central hub for an Apple smart home, a role the HomePod can also fulfill. Since the original HomePod, Apple has released updated Apple TV models and the smaller HomePod mini, but a more substantial wave of smart home innovation is expected.
Sources indicate that Apple has prioritized the smart home for the past two years, and 2026 is shaping up to be the year this focus materializes with a series of new devices, both entirely new and updated versions of existing favorites.
#1 Smart Home Display (or HomePod with Screen)
Rumors of a HomePod with a screen (or a dedicated Apple smart home display) have circulated for years. This device is expected to function as a central hub for all your HomeKit and Matter accessories. It’s envisioned as a new product, designed as a display for mounting on a wall or placing on a shelf – essentially an “iPad-light” focused on smart home control. The potential name “homeOS” suggests Apple is taking this seriously.
#2 Apple’s Own Smart Home Security Camera
Apple is reportedly developing its own smart home security camera, fully integrated with the Home app and designed to operate wirelessly. Features may include facial recognition and infrared sensors to identify individuals in a room, enabling more sophisticated home automation. Current HomeKit automations primarily rely on time or location, but a camera with person recognition could unlock new possibilities. For example, a smart speaker could automatically play music associated with a recognized individual, or a preferred lighting scene could be activated.
There has also been discussion regarding a smart doorbell from Apple. It’s possible this could be integrated with the security camera functionality, offering a wireless solution with facial recognition capabilities.
#3 New Apple TV: More Processing Power for Your Smart Home
The current Apple TV has been available since 2022, and a new model is on the horizon. A new Apple TV is expected to feature a faster chip (potentially an A17 Pro with Apple Intelligence) and an improved Wi-Fi chip. Enhanced processing power can contribute to a more stable smart home experience, and there’s hope for integration of Apple Intelligence features within HomeKit.
#4 New HomePod mini: A Spec Bump to Keep it Current
The HomePod mini is likely to receive updates, though major changes aren’t anticipated. Updates may include a chip upgrade, along with improvements to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. The inclusion of a second-generation Ultra Wideband chip could enhance the Handoff feature. Potential cosmetic updates, such as new color options, are also possible.
The future of a larger HomePod remains uncertain. The current model, released in 2023, is still relatively current, but may become less competitive if Apple releases a significantly upgraded HomePod mini.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Matter? Matter is a smart home connectivity standard designed to allow devices from different manufacturers to operate together seamlessly.
- Will older HomeKit devices still work? Apple is committed to supporting existing HomeKit devices, but updating to the latest software is crucial for continued functionality.
- What is homeOS? homeOS is a rumored operating system that may power Apple’s upcoming smart home display.
- When can we expect these new products? Some products, like the smart home display, are expected in the first half of 2026.
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