Retail Changes Signal New Home Products
Apple is reportedly preparing its retail stores for a new wave of home products, with changes to the "Avenues" — the perimeter sections in newer Apple Stores where accessories like HomePod, Apple TV, and Beats are displayed. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, writing in his Power On newsletter, the teams responsible for store layouts are rearranging sections of the Avenues and adding accessory bays for upcoming devices.
The scale of these changes goes beyond typical product launch preparations, Gurman suggests, pointing to a more significant arrival: a long-rumored smart home hub with a display, sometimes referred to as the HomePod with Display or "HomePad." The reorganization is seen as groundwork for demonstrating this new device, which Apple will need dedicated space to showcase, according to Gurman.
The Home Hub: What to Expect
The smart home hub, reported to arrive between October and early next year, is expected to feature a 7-inch square display and come with either a tabletop base or a wall mount. Gurman has described an all-new operating system built around tvOS, with Siri AI at its core. Code strings in the latest macOS Tahoe 26.7 software suggest the home screen will use a Widget Gallery similar to the iPhone's Lock Screen, with widgets from a linked iPhone suggested automatically.
NewsBytes adds that the hub is expected in two versions: one with a display on a half-dome base, and another that attaches magnetically to wall mounts and plinths. The 7-inch screen will control other devices on the network, display information like notes, calendars, and itineraries, and can act as a picture frame. It will also serve as an intercom system, security camera viewer, and smart lock controller, with a built-in camera for FaceTime calls. Gizmodo notes that the hub may include custom interactions triggered by facial recognition, allowing different household members to receive personalized experiences.
Why the Avenues Matter
Gurman explained that "Today's store layouts aren't particularly well suited to demonstrating such a product," which is why the Avenues are being reworked. These sections, typically along the far walls of newer stores, already host Apple TVs, Beats headphones, and third-party accessories, making them a natural fit for a device meant to integrate into the wider home ecosystem. The revamped Avenues will likely give the hub a dedicated space where customers can see how it works and how it fits into a smart home setup.
Other Product Updates
Alongside the home hub, Apple is believed to be preparing an upgraded Apple TV and a new HomePod mini. Gurman had said in July that both were nearly ready, featuring faster chips for Siri AI but no major design changes. Rumors indicate the new Apple TV could get an A17 Pro chip or better, while the HomePod mini might receive an S9-series chip, improved sound, and a red finish. The current HomePod mini is now over 2,000 days old, according to MacRumors.
NewsBytes also mentions talk of a new Siri Remote, though details remain unclear at this stage.
Perspectives
- Bloomberg's Mark Gurman (via newsletters): The retail changes are significant and specifically intended to prepare for the home hub's launch, which Apple needs dedicated space to demonstrate.
- Gizmodo commentary: The Avenues have historically been a catch-all for accessories and third-party products; the revamp signals a more deliberate presentation strategy for the home hub.
- MacRumors and NewsBytes reporting: Both outlets frame the changes as preparation for the new product lineup, with the home hub as a central focus, while also detailing expected specs for the HomePod mini and Apple TV.