Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a long-awaited smart home display as early as October, giving the company a new device designed to bring Siri, connected-home controls and entertainment services together in one place.

The device, known internally as J490, is currently being tested in the homes of Apple employees ahead of its expected release, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Apple’s new product is expected to feature a roughly square display and will reportedly be offered in two configurations. One version will sit on a stand, while another will be designed for wall mounting.

Its closest existing rival is likely to be Amazon’s Echo Show, although Apple’s display is expected to be considerably smaller. The hardware reportedly includes a camera and microphones, while its interface combines elements familiar from iOS, tvOS and watchOS. An iPhone will also be used during setup and for other functions.

One of its more unusual features could be facial recognition. The front-facing camera is expected to recognise the person looking at the screen and automatically personalise the information displayed.

That could mean different members of a household see their own apps, notes, calendar appointments, news, music and podcasts when they approach the device.

Apple is also expected to provide a dedicated home screen, widgets and clock faces similar to those available on the Apple Watch and iPhone.

Siri, however, is expected to sit at the centre of the experience. Apple reportedly delayed the home hub from an earlier planned launch while it waited for the company’s upgraded AI-powered Siri capabilities to be ready.

Apple CEO John Ternus describes his “intelligent personal hub” approach. photo by Apple Inc.

Users could ask Siri to search information stored across their Apple devices and accounts. Examples include finding a particular photo, locating a song or podcast previously shared by someone, or carrying out more detailed actions within Notes, Reminders and Calendar.

The device is expected to form part of Apple’s broader push to position its products as what chief executive John Ternus has described as an “intelligent personal hub”.

Ternus recently outlined his vision of an ideal AI device as one combining constant internet connectivity, a useful display, high-quality cameras and microphones, strong battery life and close integration with other hardware, software and services. His immediate focus remains the iPhone, which Apple sees as the centre of its AI ecosystem.

The home hub would extend that strategy into the household, acting as a central interface for smart-home devices, video calls, intercom functions, media, Apple services and apps. It is also expected to run a new operating system built around Siri AI.

Apple’s broader home strategy reportedly includes an updated HomePod mini and Apple TV set-top box equipped with Siri AI, potentially giving the company a more tightly connected ecosystem for the home.

Apple has not officially announced the smart display, and Australian pricing, availability and a final product name have yet to be confirmed.