Apple Redesigns Retail Stores for New Smart Home Hub

Apple Inc. is reconfiguring the layout of its retail stores, specifically the perimeter walls known as Avenues, to prepare for a refresh of its smart home product lineup this fall. While the changes will accommodate internal upgrades to the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini, the scale of the redesign suggests the launch of a long-rumored home hub.

This new device is expected to feature a seven-inch square display and a new operating system based on tvOS or similar to watchOS. Integrated with Siri AI, the home hub is designed to function as a central smart home controller capable of supporting FaceTime calls, security camera feeds, and smart lock control.

Apple is expected to hold its next major event on or around September 9. However, the company may reveal the home hub at a separate event in October.