Apple is developing a new home hub device that integrates Siri AI and is anticipated to launch later this year. This device will feature a Widget Gallery, allowing users to customize the home screen with various widgets.
References to the Widget Gallery were discovered in macOS Tahoe 26.7, which also revealed information about several unreleased Apple products. The code, found in a file named PosterKit-J490 (with J490 being the internal codename for the home hub), suggests that the device’s home screen will offer customization options similar to those available on the iPhone’s Lock Screen, including icons, widgets, and clock faces.
Apple’s existing Widget Gallery on iPhone, iPad, and Mac enables users to add widgets to their Home and Lock Screens. The upcoming home hub is expected to adopt a similar approach, allowing users to personalize their experience.
Notably, widgets installed on a linked iPhone will be suggested for use on the home hub. This mirrors the functionality on Mac, where iPhone widgets can be displayed without the corresponding app being installed on the Mac. This indicates potential support for third-party app widgets alongside Apple’s native applications. Information displayed on the home hub’s widgets will be synchronized with the linked iPhone.
For privacy considerations, while all household members can view the widgets on the home hub, the content within these widgets will only be accessible when the primary linked device is present in the home.
The device will also feature a Smart Stack, which automatically cycles through widgets to display relevant information throughout the day. Users will have the option to manually navigate through different Smart Stack options. This functionality is consistent with the Smart Stack feature available on other Apple devices, including the Apple Watch.
Unlike other Apple devices, the home hub is not expected to have its own App Store. However, it will support various Apple applications such as Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, Photos, and Home. Interacting with a widget on the home screen will launch the corresponding app, providing more detailed information.
Design-wise, the home hub is anticipated to have a 7-inch square display, with options for placement on a base or wall mounting.
Apple’s integration of the Widget Gallery into the home hub signifies a strategic move to unify user experiences across its ecosystem. By leveraging existing functionalities from devices like the iPhone and Mac, Apple aims to offer a seamless and customizable interface for smart home management. This development underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing user engagement through personalized and interconnected devices.
