Apple Home App on various Apple devicesAppleApple’s long-rumored smart home overhaul is (apparently) moving closer to reality, with a new report claiming the company is preparing not just its first smart display, but a trio of connected home devices designed to kickstart its smart home comeback.I put that ‘apparently’ in that intro as it was way back in November 2024 that rumors of an upgraded Apple Home assault first surfaced, with reports pointing to a new wall-mounted smart display and a dedicated Apple security camera as the opening moves in the company’s long-awaited smart home strategy.Now, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has revealed more details about Apple’s plans, claiming that the tech giant is preparing to launch its much-anticipated smart home hub alongside refreshed versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini.The smart display, which is said to be known internally as J490, has purportedly been in development since 2024 and is expected to arrive between October 2026 and early 2027, according to Gurman’s latest report.That timeline marks yet another delay for Apple’s smart home ambitions. When the device first appeared on the rumor mill, it was tipped for a potential 2025 arrival, before slipping to spring 2026. MORE FOR YOUEarlier this year, reports suggested a fall 2026 launch was more likely, and Gurman’s latest information suggests Apple is still tying the hardware release closely to the arrival of its upgraded Siri AI platform.The reason for the delays is that Apple apparently doesn’t want to launch another smart home product without the software experience to make it stand out.The new hub will reportedly be built around the next generation of Siri, which promises a much smarter assistant capable of understanding personal context, accessing information across Apple devices, and carrying out more complex tasks.The device is said to boast a roughly 7-inch square display running a new operating system based on tvOS, but with elements borrowed from iOS and watchOS. The interface could include apps, widgets and customizable clock faces, giving it a look that sits somewhere between an iPad, Apple Watch and Apple TV.Two versions are reportedly planned. The first is a tabletop model with the display mounted on a half-dome-shaped speaker base, giving it the appearance of a HomePod mini with a screen attached. The second version is designed for wall mounting using a magnetic attachment system, turning it into a permanent home control panel.Both versions are expected to include FaceTime, music playback, calendar access, photo viewing, intercom functionality and smart home controls, allowing users to manage connected devices such as speakers, locks and other accessories.The new hub isn’t arriving alone though, according to the latest report. Gurman claims Apple is also preparing updated versions of the Apple TV and HomePod mini, both designed to support the new Siri AI features.The refreshed devices are expected to look similar to the current models but will feature faster processors needed to handle Apple’s smarter assistant. The Apple TV and HomePod mini are expected to arrive this fall, ahead of the smart display launch.The new hub is also expected to be the starting point for even more ambitious devices. Gurman claims Apple is working on a higher-end robotic version featuring a 9-inch display mounted on a moving arm, allowing it to follow users around rooms and improve video calls.A new indoor security camera, originally reported under the J450 codename, is also still in development. That device is expected to tie into Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video platform and compete more directly with products from companies such as Ring.After years of rumors, delays and questions over Apple’s commitment to the category, its smart home comeback now appears closer than ever… hopefully.