Apple’s forthcoming Home Hub is already expected to tailor its display and data to different users, but now it appears it will do so using AI facial recognition instead of Face ID.
The long-expected Home Hub, or HomePod with a screen, is now expected to be launched on October 13, 2026, and more details including colors are continuing to leak out in advance. Now in Bloomberg‘s new “Power On” podcast, it’s claimed that the device will use AI facial recognition.
It’s been expected since the very first rumors of the device that it would present different content for different users in a household. So depending on which family member is using the device, they would automatically get their photos, music, calendar events, and so on.
That’s likely to be done in part by the device looking for iPhones in the proximity, but it’s also been presumed that it would use Face ID to identify the current user. Now according to Bloomberg, there will be exactly this user-switching and there will be facial recognition, but not Face ID.
Why Apple might not use Face ID
The AI facial recognition technology to be used is described only as being highly technical, and there is no explanation for why it isn’t Face ID. Extrapolating from other Apple Home system leaks, it’s possible that this is the same technology that will be used in future security cameras.
Rather than either scanning a face when someone stands in front of the sensor, such a system could continuously monitor its environment. In the case of the security camera system, it could do this and only trigger recordings when activity is spotted.
So perhaps the Home Hub will constantly monitor its surroundings but only actively identify a user when that person interacts with it from anywhere in the room.
The same report also repeats earlier claims that Apple has had this device manufactured and ready to ship for a considerable time. It’s believed that its launch was held back while Apple waited for the improved Siri AI to be released.
Also about to be released is the updated MacBook Pro, currently expected in October or November. This same podcast report also repeats an earlier expectation that this MacBook Pro will be the first to feature a Dynamic Island.