Apple HomePad could replace Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show in your home

Apple is gearing up for a new smart display

Apple has announced that its next big event on 13 October will showcase more than just a refreshed HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K. Leaks from Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman suggest the company will finally unveil its first smart display, a device that could challenge the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show.

What we know about the rumored Apple HomePad

The device is being referred to by the internal code J490, but the tech community has already started calling it the Apple HomePad. According to Gurman, the base model will feature a roughly six‑inch square screen that is as thin as an iPhone and can sit on a countertop or be wall‑mounted. A second version, codenamed J491, may include a magnetic mounting system for easier placement.

Design cues appear to echo Apple’s iconic iMac G4 from 2002, with a domed base and a polished metal arm that holds the display. A thin light ring around the edge will illuminate when someone approaches, providing a subtle visual cue that the device is ready to listen.

Features that could set the HomePad apart

Beyond the sleek form factor, the HomePad is expected to support multi‑user voice recognition, allowing each household member to access a personalized interface. Integrated apps will include Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music and Podcasts, meaning users can make FaceTime calls, view iCloud photos, control Apple Music playback and manage smart‑home accessories without reaching for a phone.

Apple says the HomePad will work with HomeKit‑compatible devices such as thermostats, lights and locks, positioning it as a central hub for the Apple ecosystem. For families that already use iPhone 15, iPad Air M2 or Apple Watch Series 10, the HomePad could streamline daily routines and make video calls to kids on the go.

Rumoured larger version with a robotic arm

Gurman also hints at a premium variant with a nine‑inch display and a motorised arm that can swivel the screen automatically, reminiscent of the older Meta Portal smart screens. This larger model could appeal to users who want a more TV‑like experience in the kitchen or living room.

While the exact launch date for the bigger version remains unclear, the existence of two form factors suggests Apple is targeting both compact countertop use and larger shared spaces.

How the HomePad compares to existing competitors

Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show have dominated the smart‑display market for years, but both devices have seen relatively modest updates. The Nest Hub now runs Google Gemini for Home, yet many users, including the author, find it limited to photo slideshows and basic queries.

Apple’s deep integration with iOS, macOS and watchOS could give the HomePad an edge for households already invested in the Apple ecosystem. The ability to launch FaceTime calls directly from the display, combined with seamless access to Apple Music and Podcasts, may make it a more compelling choice for families that use iPhone 15 or iPad Air M2 alongside Apple Watch Series 10.

Will the HomePad replace my Google Nest Hubs?

Only time will tell whether the HomePad will convince users to retire their existing Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show units. If Apple delivers on the promised multi‑user experience, high‑quality display and robust HomeKit support, it could become the go‑to hub for many households.

With less than two weeks until the October event, the tech community is watching closely. Whether the HomePad lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but the prospect of a sleek, Apple‑branded smart display is certainly exciting.