Apple’s plan for AI could make Siri the animated center of your smart home

Apple is gearing up to make its bold entry into the smart home hardware market by 2027 with a futuristic tabletop smart home gadget. With a design reminiscent of a motorized iPad mini, this device could mark a turning point in how Apple integrates AI, design, and convenience into our living spaces.

What We Know So Far

• The device will reportedly feature a 7-inch display similar in size to the iPad mini and will be mounted on a motorized arm, allowing it to swivel and position itself as needed(Deccan, 2025).

• While details are currently sparse, the design hints at a centralized control hub—perhaps serving as the keystone of Apple’s future smart home ecosystem.

Part of a Bigger Smart Home Push

This move coincides with other signals that Apple is doubling down on the smart home and AI space:

• Bloomberg and Tom’s Guide report that Apple is developing a tabletop robot with Siri, powered by advanced AI, capable of tracking user movement, responding interactively, and even dancing—targeting a 2027 launch(The Verge, 2025)

• A complementary smart home display with facial recognition and media/call capabilities may arrive as early as 2026, serving as a HomeKit and Apple Intelligence control center.

• Apple is also exploring home security devices, including AI-enabled cameras and potential doorbell integrations that prioritize privacy and seamless control.

Why This Matters

• Elevating Siri and AI: Apple is reimagining Siri to be more conversational, personalized, and visually expressive—possibly incorporating Memoji-style or animated avatars for enhanced interaction(The Verge,2025).

• Smart Home Competition: With Amazon, Google, and others leading the smart home industry, Apple’s pivot toward hardware-software synergy might provide a distinct advantage—especially among users invested in the Apple ecosystem.

• Cultural Timing: The launch aligns with Apple’s 20th anniversary of the iPhone in 2027. Rumors also suggest Apple may release other ambitious products like a foldable iPhone or smart glasses that year.

The Road Ahead: Questions Remain

1. Product Vision: Will the motorized iPad-style gadget act as a central hub, a personal assistant, or both?

2. Software & Integration: Will it run a new ‘homeOS’? How will it merge with existing ecosystems like HomeKit and Matter-enabled devices?

3. Privacy First: Can Apple deliver on secure facial recognition and AI features that respect user privacy?

4. Market Timing: A staggered release—display hub in 2026, tabletop AI device in 2027—could work to Apple’s advantage if executed well.

Bottom Line

Apple’s plan to introduce a motorized tabletop smart device by 2027 represents a bold new chapter in its smart home strategy. With advanced AI, a refreshed Siri, and a sleek design approach, Apple looks set to carve out its place in homes beyond the iPhone. Whether this will be a game-changer depends on how well Apple marries form, functionality, and privacy.