Digital Privacy

January 27, 2026, 3:40 AM EST. Apple is expected to broaden into new hardware categories in 2026, unveiling four products alongside new services. Rumors point to a smart home hub called the HomePad, described as a mix of a HomePod-like speaker and an iPad-style display. DigiTimes and other outlets tie its release to iOS 26.4 and Google's Gemini AI models, with a 6-7 inch display and an A18 chip. The device would run on Apple Intelligence and rely on the App Intents API to control apps and devices. Other rumored items include a smart doorbell, a foldable iPhone, and first-generation augmented reality glasses, plus a premium tabletop robot with a mechanical arm expected by 2027. Apple reportedly plans roughly 20 product releases this year.