Apple smart home hub reportedly marks shift in how new products are built as price target emerges

Still waiting for Apple’s first smart home hub with a screen? Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reports that the product is scheduled to arrive in spring 2026. Notably, manufacturing will take place in Vietnam and not China, where most first-gen products are produced. Gurman also reports on Apple’s target price for the first new smart home product.

According to the report, Chinese firm BYD will assemble Apple’s upcoming smart home products. That’s the same BYD that produces electric vehicles available in Europe and Asia.

Gurman has long reported on Apple’s plans for smart home products that include a smart home hub with a display, indoor security cameras, and a future version of the smart display with a robotic arm. His latest piece highlights the notable change in manufacturing strategy:

All three products are on track to be built in Vietnam, a major change in how Apple approaches a new product category, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The company has typically built new devices in China before adding production elsewhere or shifting it to another location.

Additionally, the Bloomberg report says that Apple is “planning to expand its manufacturing of iPads with BYD in Vietnam,” which would mean iPad assembly in Vietnam would increase from current levels.

When Apple’s home hub does arrive, we can expect it to be priced at around $350, according to Gurman. Two versions have been developed, including one akin to a HomePod mini with a 7-inch display, and another meant to be mounted to a wall.

While the smart home hub with a display is expected in spring 2026 and the robotic version could come as soon as 2027, the indoor security camera is on track “for release as soon as the end of next year.”

Read the report in full at Bloomberg.