Apple’s home hub could finally arrive this spring with a rather unique design

It might feature a "robotic swiveling base" that could automatically orient the screen to face you.

By Pranob Mehrotra Published January 22, 2026

An Apple HomePod and HomePod Mini in front iPad on a wooden bookshelf. — John Higgins / Digital Trends

After more than a year of scattered leaks and rumors, Apple’s home hub may finally hit the market in 2026. A new report suggests the device could launch in the coming months and sheds some light on its unique design.

Back in October 2024, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that the home hub could borrow design cues from Apple’s iMac G4, featuring a display roughly the size of two iPhones placed side by side on a circular base. Apple was also said to be preparing a higher-end version with a robotic arm, which could retail for around $1,000.

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Now, a recent report from The Information detailing Apple’s plans to release an AI pin indicates that the home hub could have a “robotic swiveling base.” Citing two sources familiar with Apple’s plans, the report adds that the device could be “designed with a heavy emphasis on AI features” and include a small display and speakers.

The robotic base may keep the screen facing you

Although the report does not go into detail about how the robotic swiveling base might be used, it could potentially allow the display to automatically rotate and face the user. Previous leaks suggest the home hub may feature an array of sensors and a front-facing camera for FaceTime calls, which could enable the rotating base to track the user’s position during use.

We might not have to wait too long for more details, as the report claims Apple will announce the home hub this spring. The device is expected to play a central role in Apple’s broader smart home ambitions. It may serve as a command center for HomeKit accessories, support hands-free Siri interactions, and integrate tightly with Apple services. If the device does place a heavy emphasis on AI, as the latest report suggests, Apple could debut it alongside the upgraded version of Siri that is slated to arrive with iOS 26.4 later this year.

Pranob Mehrotra

News Writer

Pranob is a seasoned tech journalist with over eight years of experience covering consumer technology. His work has been…

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