Nanoleaf, a global leader in lifestyle tech innovation, announces the launch of two new additions to its wellness line at IFA 2026: the Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Neck & Décolletage Mask and the Nanoleaf Lymphatic Body Sculpting Massager.
Together, the devices expand Nanoleaf’s red light therapy and recovery technologies beyond the face, delivering advanced wellness care for the entire body.
Targeted Care Beyond The Face
Designed to bridge the glaring gap between facial care and neck rejuvenation, the Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Neck & Décolletage Mask brings high-performance innovation to one of the most delicate, frequently neglected areas of the body. While traditional routines focus heavily on the face, the neck and chest are often the first to exhibit premature aging, deep-set lines, crepiness, and loss of elasticity.
At the core of its advanced design is Nanoleaf’s proprietary Triple NIR Technology. By strategically combining three clinically validated Near-Infrared wavelengths – 850nm, 940nm, and 1072nm – the mask is designed to reach deeper layers of the skin and support faster skin cell renewal. The specialized 1072nm Deep NIR wavelength is precision-mapped along key concern areas, delivering targeted energy directly where deep neck lines form.
Featuring a flexible wrap-around design and market-leading surface coverage across both the neck and décolletage, the Neck Mask delivers full care for the delicate area below the face. The Neck Mask features seven targeted treatment modes (Red, Green, Blue, Cyan, Yellow, Purple, and White) and 5 intensity levels, offering a personalized solution to visibly reduce fine lines, combat acne, fade hyperpigmentation, and restore youthful radiance.
Whole Body Wellness
Completing the head-to-toe care, Nanoleaf is also launching the Lymphatic Body Sculpting Massager – a handheld 4-in-1 device designed to support lymphatic flow, de-puffing and enhance the appearance of more sculpted body contours.
Modern lifestyles, high stress levels and long hours at a desk can contribute to fluid buildup and a visibly swollen or less-defined appearance. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system relies on movement and physical stimulation to circulate lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymphatic massage is a proven technique to boost lymphatic flow, but making it part of a regular routine is often time and cost prohibitive.
The Nanoleaf Lymphatic Body Sculpting Massager brings the principles of lymphatic massage into an easy, at-home experience, fusing four powerful therapies in a single device: Microcurrent, Red Light Therapy, Heat, and Vibration. Vibration encourages lymphatic flow to help flush excess fluid and reduce puffiness. Heat therapy melts away tension and relaxes muscles, and Red Light (640nm + 850nm NIR) supports healthier, more radiant-looking skin. Ergonomic sculpting nodes deliver deep, targeted pressure across the abdomen, legs, arms, and shoulders – working with the four therapies together to ease tension and support fluid movement for an accessible at-home body sculpting ritual.
The Body Sculpting Massager features 30 customizable intensity levels and 2.5 hours of cordless runtime, making lymphatic care an effortless daily part of a self-care routine.
Retail Availability
The Nanoleaf LED Light Therapy Neck & Décolletage Mask retails for $149.99 USD, $199.99 CAD. The Nanoleaf Lymphatic Body Sculpting Massager retails for $69.99 USD, $79.99 CAD. Both products are available now at nanoleaf.me and Amazon.
Nanoleaf is an AI-driven lifestyle technology company transforming breakthrough innovations into thoughtfully designed products that enhance daily life. Founded in 2012 as a smart lighting brand redefining the industry, Nanoleaf has evolved to combine advanced hardware, software intelligence, spatial design and wellness tech to improve how people live within their homes. Nanoleaf is headquartered in Toronto with a global presence in Paris and Shenzhen.
Aqara, a global leader in IoT, announced a new lineup of smart lighting products and a global community platform or smart space creators, at IFA 2026 in Berlin.
The announcements reflect Aqara’s ongoing vision for AI-driven spatial intelligence — spaces that understand their users and adapt to how people actually live in them.
The new lighting series — spanning indoor and outdoor use — integrates seamlessly with Aqara’s existing ecosystem of sensors, switches, and hubs, bringing complete whole-space lighting scenarios and automated controls to life.
The new Aqara products showcased include the Floor Lamp T1, LED Downlight T2, LED Strip T2, Outdoor String Lights H1, and Permanent Outdoor Lights H1. In addition, the company will present Aqara Builder, a platform for creators sharing ideas and engaging in discussion. Aqara will demonstrate these innovations at IFA 2026 (Booth #157, Hall 1.2, Berlin).
The Expanded Smart Lighting Lineup
Aqara’s new lighting series brings smart, connected illumination to more parts of the home, indoors and out. Every product in the lineup supports both Thread and Zigbee connectivity, is Matter-enabled, and works seamlessly across major smart home platforms including Apple Home, Home Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, SmartThings, and Homey. Paired with Aqara sensors, switches, and the Aqara Home app, each light can also respond to presence, routines, and existing automations instead of relying on manual control.
To showcase how smart lighting interacts with the broader home, Aqara’s booth features a fully constructed, real-world living space. Visitors can walk through interactive scenarios to see how the new lighting lineup works synchronously with Aqara’s complete product catalog—including motion and presence sensors, smart switches, and central hubs. Rather than showing standalone devices, this setup illustrates true spatial intelligence: lights adjusting automatically as someone enters a room, setting the mood based on daily routines, or reacting instantly to environmental triggers without touching a button.
Aqara Floor Lamp T1
Standing 1,420 mm tall, the Floor Lamp T1 turns a plain wall into part of the room’s atmosphere, its side-emitting design washing light evenly across the surface for movie nights, gaming, or everyday mood-setting. A new high-precision 16-bit, 5-channel chip drives 18 individually controllable zones, delivering color transitions that feel smooth and cinematic. The ultra-wide tunable white range from 2,000K to 9,000K, and up to 1,000 lumens of brightness also deliver smooth and comfortable everyday illumination. Paired with Aqara sensors and switches, it can shift automatically as the evening changes, dimming down for a movie night or brighten for a game night.
Aqara LED Downlight T2
Built for real homes with real ceiling constraints, the Downlight T2’s ultra-thin profile makes it a practical fit for low ceilings and easy retrofits. Choose the RGB CCT version for both mood lighting and daily use with expanded 2000K–9000K range and 16 million colors, or the simpler CCT version for reliable everyday brightness up to 1,200 lumens. Like other Aqara lights, the Aqara LED Downlight T2 has power-off memory, which means lights return to exactly the state you’d expect , helping maintain a consistent user experience after an outage.
Aqara LED Strip T2
Trimmable and flexible enough to fit under cabinets, along shelving, or around any tight corner, the Strip T2 delivers even, high-quality light rather than visible hot spots. With 108 LEDs per meter, a 16-bit 5-channel chip, and 18 independently controllable zones every 3 meters, it supports smooth color gradients and music-synced effects that keep a gathering feeling alive rather than static. Anyone who’d rather skip manual setup can simply describe a mood or lighting experience they want in natural language in the Aqara Home app and get a coordinated scene automatically.
Aqara Outdoor String Lights H1
Outdoor entertaining often ends the moment the sun goes down. The Outdoor String Lights H1 is built to extend it, with individually controllable zones for rich, weatherproof illumination across patios and decks. An ultra-wide color temperature range from 2000K to 9000K delivers high-precision warmth for evening relaxation and bright, comfortable light for outdoor activities. Beyond aesthetics, it’s practical: the lights can adjust automatically by time of day, environment, or triggers from other Aqara devices, marking a path after dark or responding to a security event without anyone touching a switch. By utilizing Aqara’s AI-powered Gen-Scene feature, users can simply describe their ideal scenario and the H1 can build a full scene across every connected zone.
Aqara Permanent Outdoor Lights H1
The Permanent Outdoor Lights H1 solves a familiar seasonal chore. No more climbing a ladder every holiday season to hang lights, and no more taking them down again in January. Installed only once, it adapts to any occasion with one-tap presets and independently controlled LEDs. It’s extendable, cuttable to fit any roofline, and weatherproof for year-round use.
Beyond the new hardware lineup, Aqara also brings Aqara Builder, a global content-sharing community platform, to IFA, empowering users and experts to explore ideas and enhance their intelligent space experience.
Aqara Builder:
At IFA 2026, Aqara showcases the Aqara Builder which is designed for smart home enthusiasts, developers, installers, integrators, and creators, featuring real-world projects, automation solutions, and design inspiration. With AI-assisted support, users can get more ideas from the AI agent and Aqara Builder to create their personalized intelligent scenarios.
As a global leader and pioneer in IoT, Aqara is committed to creating holistic, personalized smart home experiences that are accessible to everyone. We offer one of the widest selections of smart products spanning more than 30 categories, proudly serving over 12 million users across five continents.
Designed in-house, our products blend cutting-edge hardware technology, sophisticated software design, and AI capabilities, and have been recognized with more than 300 industry accolades. They are thoughtfully designed to integrate seamlessly with major third-party ecosystems, offering users unparalleled flexibility. Aqara’s solutions are tailored to provide the ultimate smart home experience and augment everyday life by making homes smarter, more sustainable, and adaptable to users’ evolving needs.
Limited-time Amazon deals bring savings of up to $50 on Wolfbox’s popular dash cams and MegaFlow 200 electric air duster.
Wolfbox, a leading off-road auto accessories brand trusted by more than 800,000 drivers worldwide, is offering limited-time savings on several of its most popular automotive electronics and accessories. Shoppers can save up to $50 on select Wolfbox dash cams and the MegaFlow 200 high-speed electric air duster on Amazon.
The promotions include discounts of up to 35% on select products, giving drivers an opportunity to upgrade their vehicles with Wolfbox’s smart dash cams and high-performance cleaning accessories at reduced prices.
Wolfbox MegaFlow 200: Save $35
The Wolfbox MegaFlow 200 is a high-speed electric air duster designed for cleaning vehicles and other hard-to-reach areas. It features a removable battery and delivers airflow of up to 87.5 m/s.
The MegaFlow 200 is currently available for $84.99, down from $119.99, providing a $35 savings. The product is also an Amazon’s Choice selection and has seen more than 4,000 purchases in the past month.
The Wolfbox G930 is a smart mirror dash cam featuring a 4K front camera and 1080p rear camera, providing drivers with front and rear video coverage while integrating the cameras into a rearview mirror-style display.
During the promotional period, the G930 will be available for $139.98, reduced from $189.99. That’s a $50 savings, or approximately 30% off the regular price.
The G930 has also surpassed 1,000 purchases in the past month.
The Wolfbox G850 Pro combines a smart rearview mirror design with 4K front and 1080p rear cameras. It also includes advanced driver assistance features, including ADAS and blind spot detection.
The G850 Pro will be available for $179.98, down from $219.99, during the promotion. Customers can save $40, representing a 35% discount.
The dash cam has recorded more than 500 purchases in the past month.
Wolfbox specializes in automotive electronics, including advanced smart mirrors and dash cams, as well as accessories such as jump starters, car fridges, and other vehicle-focused gadgets.
The company says its products have been used by more than 800,000 drivers across 89 countries. Wolfbox continues to develop automotive technology designed to bring additional functionality and convenience to drivers.
The limited-time Amazon promotions provide an opportunity to save on several of the brand’s popular products, but shoppers should note that each deal has its own promotional period and pricing is subject to change.
A look inside UGREEN’s push beyond charging and storage, as HomeAgent aims to make the smart home more connected, proactive, and personal.
For years, home security cameras have largely been designed around the things we do not want to happen. A camera watches for an intruder, detects a package, alerts you when someone approaches the door, or records an unexpected event.
UGREEN wants to change that.
At its Smart Living Launch Event at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on September 1, the company introduced HomeAgent, a new AIoT ecosystem designed to bring local storage, artificial intelligence, home automation, security, and everyday memories together under one system.
The event was not simply a product launch. It was an opportunity to see how UGREEN envisions its products working together, and perhaps more importantly, how the company thinks technology should fit into our lives.
That vision can be summed up in three ideas UGREEN repeatedly returned to throughout the event: Activate. Proactive. Trusted.
Rather than adding another collection of smart devices that each require their own app and setup process, UGREEN is attempting to build a system that understands what is happening in the home and can respond without requiring constant interaction from the user.
Stepping Into UGREEN’s Smart Living Vision
The event was divided into two primary areas. One side of the space was arranged around the stage, where UGREEN presented its vision for the future of the smart home. The other side was dedicated to hands-on demonstrations of the products and technologies introduced during the event.
The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed. The UGREEN team was welcoming and genuinely appreciative of the media and clients who had attended. Representatives were readily available throughout the event, which made it easy to stop, ask questions, and spend time with the products rather than simply moving from one presentation station to another.
That was important because UGREEN is entering a much broader category than the one most people traditionally associate with the company.
UGREEN has built a significant business around charging accessories, connectivity products, and storage. The company says it now has more than 300 million users across more than 180 countries and regions. Its expansion into AIoT represents a significant shift in how it wants those products to work together.
The stage presentation laid out that strategy before giving attendees a chance to experience it firsthand.
The Presentation: From Accessories to an AIoT Ecosystem
UGREEN’s presentation began by looking at the company’s growth and evolution, including its expansion into network-attached storage and AI-powered computing.
But the focus quickly moved to the home.
One of the more interesting ideas behind HomeAgent is that UGREEN believes cameras should be capable of doing more than recording problems. A security camera might tell you that someone entered your yard, but it could also recognize a moment worth remembering.
That distinction became important throughout the presentation.
HomeAgent is designed to serve as a local AI hub that brings together storage, computing, security, and control. Instead of sending everything to the cloud, the system is built around processing and storing much of that information locally.
The result is intended to be a smart home that can respond to what is happening without constantly relying on a remote server.
UGREEN demonstrated HomeAgent interacting with cameras and other smart-home devices, including examples such as controlling lights and curtains, checking on pets, and searching through camera footage.
In one demonstration, the system was able to answer questions about where a pet had been and when it had appeared on camera. Another demonstration showed voice commands being used to control devices around the home.
The idea is less about having a collection of smart products and more about having a central system that understands those products.
HomeAgent Is the Center of the System
UGREEN introduced three HomeAgent platforms.
The HA100 is positioned as the entry point to the HomeAgent experience, combining local storage, AI processing, security, and smart-home control in a single device.
The HA100 Pro takes that concept further with more powerful hardware and faster networking, targeting users who want to run more demanding AI workloads.
At the top of the range is the MasterAgent MA100, which UGREEN says is its first agentic AI local hub powered by NVIDIA Jetson Thor T5000 technology.
The hardware differences are substantial, but the larger story is what UGREEN wants these devices to become. Rather than another computer that happens to sit in the home, HomeAgent is intended to become the place where the home’s data and connected devices come together.
That is where the company’s AIoT strategy starts to become interesting.
The Round Table: The Smart Home Should Not Feel Like Work
After the main presentation, UGREEN held a round-table discussion that moved away from individual products and toward some of the challenges that have prevented the smart home from becoming as seamless as companies have promised.
One of the biggest problems is fragmentation.
A typical smart home can easily turn into a collection of individual ecosystems. There may be one app for cameras, another for lighting, another for a thermostat, another for a door lock, and another for a robot vacuum.
Every device has its own account, setup process, interface, and way of communicating with the user.
For someone who enjoys technology, that may be manageable. For everyone else in the household, it can quickly become frustrating.
The discussion emphasized the idea that smart-home technology should understand what the user is trying to accomplish rather than forcing the user to understand how every individual device works.
There was also considerable discussion about local AI. Processing information locally can reduce dependence on cloud services, improve responsiveness, and provide greater control over sensitive information. For a system dealing with cameras, family members, conversations, and activity inside the home, that distinction matters.
The discussion also touched on something that is easy to overlook when companies talk about smart-home technology: the person who has to make everything work.
In many households, there is one person who becomes the unofficial technology expert. That person sets everything up, connects the devices, fixes problems, explains how everything works, and often becomes the household help desk. A truly smart home should reduce that burden rather than increase it.
One of the most memorable ideas from the discussion was that technology should know when to appear and disappear.
That may be one of the most useful ways to think about UGREEN’s approach. The best smart-home technology should be visible when it is useful and almost invisible when it is not.
Walking Into the Demo Area
After the presentation and round table, the event shifted from talking about the smart home to showing it.
The demo area was organized almost like a collection of rooms and experiences rather than a traditional product showroom.
HomeAgent devices were displayed along a side wall, where attendees could open the units and get a closer look at their internal storage configuration.
The HA100 units had three drive bays populated for the demonstration, with two labeled for storage and one labeled for surveillance. The MA100 demonstration unit had four drives, with three designated for storage and one for surveillance.
There were also dedicated slots for AI acceleration hardware.
Visually, the HomeAgent devices reminded me of compact NAS systems, although their more vertical design gives them a different presence. The HA100 could also easily be mistaken for a small printer sitting in a home office.
But the most interesting part of the HomeAgent demonstration was not the hardware.
It was what was happening around it.
A Smart Home You Can Walk Through
UGREEN created a miniature living environment for the demonstration, complete with a living room and nursery.
The nursery included a baby doll positioned in a crib. UGREEN representatives could trigger a simulated crying event, which HomeAgent could recognize. The system could then announce that the baby was crying through the connected smart-home system.
That demonstration illustrates an important difference between traditional security cameras and the type of system UGREEN is trying to build. The camera is not simply recording footage. The system is interpreting what it sees and turning that information into something useful.
The living room contained smart lighting and curtains that could also be controlled through HomeAgent. I saw those controls work earlier in the day, although my own attempt later in the event did not go as smoothly.
A printed card beside the HA100 encouraged attendees to try several voice commands, including turning the living room light on or off and opening or closing the curtains.
When I tried the system myself, HomeAgent successfully recognized the “Hi Uliya” wake phrase. However, it was not able to complete the command I gave it and instead indicated that the requested function had not been programmed.
At another point, I was told that the curtain’s battery had been drained.
That experience is worth mentioning, but I would not consider it a failure of the product. This was a launch-event demonstration environment rather than a production HomeAgent system installed in a home for extended testing. More importantly, I had already seen the connected-home controls work earlier in the day.
For me, the experience reinforced how important the final software and setup experience will be. If HomeAgent can reliably make those interactions as simple as UGREEN demonstrated, the concept is compelling.
From Security to Prevention
The outdoor camera demonstration offered another example of how UGREEN is approaching smart-home security. A small artificial pathway led toward a front door, with markers indicating the camera’s movement-detection area.
As someone crossed one of the marked areas, a recorded warning announced that the person was entering private property. Moving farther into the monitored area triggered an alarm, followed by another message indicating that a recording of the trespassing person had been sent.
I do not know whether those exact messages are customizable in the final product, but as a demonstration, they were effective.
Instead of simply recording someone after they reached the property, the system was designed to recognize the movement and actively respond.
UGREEN’s SynCare camera lineup includes an indoor camera along with PoE and battery-powered outdoor cameras, giving the HomeAgent ecosystem multiple ways to bring visual information into the local AI system.
The company’s larger goal is to have that information become useful beyond simple notifications. HomeAgent can recognize people, vehicles, pets, packages, and unusual activity, while AI Highlights are designed to identify meaningful moments in recorded footage and photo libraries.
That is where UGREEN’s original idea about cameras remembering the good things becomes more interesting. A camera could still tell you when something goes wrong. But it could also help surface the moments you actually want to remember.
Gallery Looks Beyond Security
Another product that caught my attention in the demo area was the Gallery E-Paper Smart Frame. The frame itself looked lovely, although I did not get an opportunity to see the Gallery software in operation during the event.
The concept fits naturally with UGREEN’s broader vision. If HomeAgent can identify meaningful photographs and moments, having a dedicated display for those memories makes more sense than simply keeping them buried in a camera roll. Of course, the software experience will be critical.
There are already products designed to turn digital photos into something more like a traditional picture frame. If UGREEN can make Gallery intuitive and easy to use while integrating it directly with HomeAgent, it could offer a compelling alternative.
That will ultimately come down to how well the hardware and software work together.
A Little Help From Bambu Lab
One of the more unexpected details in the demo area was a Bambu Lab 3D printer. UGREEN and Bambu Lab announced a new partnership centered around creating custom 3D-printed accessories and designs for UGREEN’s new products.
The partnership involves creators from Bambu Lab’s MakerWorld platform designing models inspired by UGREEN’s products. Penny Peng, a UGREEN PR Manager, introduced herself toward the end of the event when the crowd had thinned out, and we had an opportunity to talk about the partnership.
She explained that the collaboration could result in practical and playful designs that work with UGREEN’s products, such as a small pet house or bed that can accommodate a camera or a custom case designed for the HA100.
It is a small detail compared with the larger HomeAgent announcement, but it reflects something interesting about UGREEN’s approach. The company is not only thinking about the hardware it sells. It is beginning to think about the ecosystem surrounding that hardware and how users might personalize it.
In the Middle of It All Was MagFlow
While HomeAgent was clearly the focus of the event, UGREEN also introduced a new generation of MagFlow charging products. The MagFlow lineup includes a magnetic power bank, a 3-in-1 desktop charging stand, and a foldable 2-in-1 wireless charger.
The charging products were positioned in a central kiosk with a two-sided table, making them easy to pick up and examine. That turned out to be particularly useful for me because my phone was nearly dead. My iPhone was at 1% when I put it on the UGREEN MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand 25W. After approximately 10 minutes, the phone had reached 18%.
That is obviously not a controlled charging test, but it was a convenient real-world demonstration during an event where I needed to keep my phone alive. I was also impressed by how quiet the charger was.
The MagFlow Pro uses active cooling, and I have another charging stand with a fan that works well but is noticeably loud. By comparison, the MagFlow Pro was remarkably quiet during my time with it. That alone made an impression on me.
If a charging stand is sitting on a desk next to you all day, cooling performance is useful, but so is not having to listen to a fan constantly running. UGREEN says the MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 combines Qi2 25W magnetic charging with active cooling and can simultaneously charge an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods.
The new MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank takes the cooling concept into a portable form, while the MagFlow 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger is designed for travel and can also function as a magnetic phone stand.
What the Event Says About UGREEN
Walking through the event, it became clear that UGREEN is trying to connect several parts of its business that previously felt more independent. Storage, charging, smart-home devices, cameras, displays, and AI are becoming pieces of a larger ecosystem. That is an ambitious direction.
The potential advantage is obvious. Instead of having a camera from one company, storage from another, lights from a third, and a collection of separate apps to manage everything, a local AI hub could become the central point through which those devices communicate.
Personally, that is one of the most appealing aspects of what UGREEN is proposing. I do not particularly like having a separate app for every smart-home product in my house. I want technology to make my life easier, not give me another collection of passwords, accounts, notifications, and interfaces to manage.
If UGREEN can make HomeAgent actually unify the home in the way it demonstrated, that would be a significant improvement over the fragmented smart-home experience many people deal with today. But the word if is important.
The success of HomeAgent will depend on much more than powerful hardware. It will depend on interoperability, reliability, ease of setup, communication between devices, software updates, customer support, and how well the system handles the unexpected situations that inevitably occur in a real home. UGREEN appears to recognize that.
During the round-table discussion, a UGREEN user-group manager noted that communication with the company after initial setup is one of the complaints users have raised. Customer experience was identified as an area receiving significant attention.
That is encouraging because an ecosystem this ambitious will require more than good hardware. It needs to be easy to live with.
Pricing and Availability
UGREEN provided the following MSRP and launch pricing for the new AIoT products at the event:
Product
MSRP
Launch Pricing
HomeAgent HA100
$1,799
$899 Super Early Bird
HomeAgent HA100 Pro
$5,999
$2,999 Super Early Bird
MasterAgent MA100
$19,999
$9,999 Super Early Bird
SynCare Indoor Cam ID500 Pro
$149
$89 Early Bird
SynCare PoE Cam OD600 Pro
$269
$159 Early Bird
SynCare Battery Cam OD800 Pro
$399
$199 Early Bird
Smart Speaker for Uliya
$99
$69 Early Bird
Gallery E-Paper Smart Frame
$439
$299 Early Bird
Pre-orders for the HA100, HA100 Pro, and MA100 are scheduled to open September 3 through UGREEN’s AIoT Official Store, ahead of the Kickstarter launch planned for October 27. UGREEN says a deposit starting at $50 can secure the Super Early Bird pricing.
The new MagFlow products are available now:
MagFlow Pro Magnetic Power Bank 10,000mAh 25W: $149.99
MagFlow Pro 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand 25W: $159.99
MagFlow 2-in-1 Foldable Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W: $59.99
UGREEN says the MagFlow products are available through its official store and Amazon.
Final Thoughts
UGREEN’s Smart Living Launch Event was ultimately less about introducing a handful of individual products and more about showing where the company wants to go next.
HomeAgent is the centerpiece of that strategy, bringing together local storage, AI processing, cameras, smart-home controls, and personal data.
The most compelling part of the concept is not necessarily the ability to tell your lights to turn on with your voice. We already have products that can do that.
The more interesting question is whether HomeAgent can understand what is happening in the home and take useful action without requiring the user to constantly tell it what to do.
That is a much harder problem.
UGREEN is also making a deliberate argument for local AI, particularly when dealing with the intimate data generated inside a home. Keeping more processing and information local could address some of the privacy, latency, and cloud-dependency concerns that come with connected-home technology.
My hands-on experience at the event was limited, and the demonstration environment was not representative of a long-term home installation. I was able to see UGREEN successfully demonstrate several of HomeAgent’s capabilities, while my own attempt to control the living-room devices was limited by the demo setup.
That leaves plenty of questions for a full review once production hardware and software are available. Still, the direction is easy to understand. The smartest home may not be the one filled with the most devices. It may be the one where those devices finally stop feeling like separate products.
If UGREEN can make HomeAgent deliver on that promise, the company’s move from charging and storage into AIoT could become one of its most significant expansions yet. And perhaps the best smart-home experience is one where technology knows when to appear, when to disappear, and quietly makes life easier in between.
At IFA 2026, SwitchBot, a leading provider of smart home automation and embodied AI products, today announced the launch of SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo, a complete retrofit smart-entry solution for European households that combines the all-new SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max, SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro, and SwitchBot Hub Mini Matter Enabled.
Designed to let households keep their existing lock cylinder while upgrading the entire experience at the door, the combo brings together faster lock performance, up to 19 ways to unlock, layered power backup, local biometric protection, real-time status awareness, and Matter connectivity. The result is a flexible entry system built for different family members, everyday situations, and connected-home platforms. SwitchBot will showcase the Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo at IFA 2026. Visitors can experience the system firsthand at booth #H1.2-146.
Faster, More Refined Retrofit Performance
At the heart of the combo, SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max upgrades an existing door lock from the inside without requiring users to replace the cylinder or modify the door. Its UltraDrive brushless motor reaches 160 rpm, delivering 3.2 times the motor rotation speed of SwitchBot Lock Ultra. Max Mode can complete unlocking in as little as 1.1 seconds, while more than 9 kg of turning force provides the power needed for everyday European lock mechanisms.
Users can choose Max Mode for a more immediate response or Quiet Mode for more discreet locking and unlocking during late-night arrivals, early mornings, and shared living situations. A high-precision magnetic encoder helps the lock track movement accurately, supporting smooth and consistent operation through frequent daily use.
Performance is matched by a more premium industrial design. Lock Ultra Max combines an aluminum-alloy body with brushed electroplated stainless-steel detailing, while SwitchBot’s Fluted Light Design creates subtle highlights and shadows across the surface. Together with a closely fitted base ring, the design helps the retrofit lock feel more integrated with the door rather than like a separate device added afterward.
Up to 19 Ways to Unlock
SwitchBot Keypad Vision Pro expands the combo into a multi-user entry system with 3D facial recognition, contactless palm vein recognition, fingerprint recognition, passcodes, and NFC card access. Across the complete system, households can choose from up to 19 unlock methods, including the SwitchBot App, remote control, voice control, smartwatch access, widgets, Home Sharing, Auto-Unlock via geofencing, a physical key, and SwitchBot Remote.
For hands-free entry, Keypad Vision Pro projects more than 30,000 infrared points to create a millimeter-level 3D facial map and complete recognition in under one second under laboratory conditions. The depth-based system is designed to resist spoofing attempts using photos or videos and can recognize users in low-light environments with built-in infrared illumination.
Contactless palm vein recognition uses near-infrared sensing to read the unique vein pattern inside a user’s palm. This provides another biometric option for children, older family members, and users whose fingerprints may be difficult to read because of dry, worn, wet, or dirty fingers. Fingerprint, passcode, and NFC access remain available for family members and visitors who prefer more familiar entry methods.
Triple Power System for Dependable Everyday Access
Lock Ultra Max uses three layers of power to help keep the door accessible in unexpected low-battery situations. Its 4200 mAh rechargeable main battery provides up to 9 months of typical use, while an independent CR123A backup battery keeps the lock operational when the main battery is removed for charging or depleted, supporting approximately 500 locking or unlocking operations.
Even when the battery is depleted, Micro-Power Unlock gathers residual energy for approximately 30 seconds before providing emergency unlocking assistance up to 5 times. The SwitchBot App also shows main and backup battery status and provides low-battery notifications, giving households time to recharge or replace the relevant power source.
Keypad Vision Pro includes a 5000 mAh rechargeable battery designed to last up to 12 months on a single charge under typical use. Its approach-detection system activates biometric recognition when a user arrives, helping reduce unnecessary power consumption between entries.
Security, Privacy, and Awareness at the Door
The combo is designed with multiple layers of protection across communication, biometric storage, locking, alerts, status awareness, and power. AES-128 encryption helps protect access communication, while facial, palm vein, and fingerprint data is processed and stored locally on the device rather than made available through third-party smart-home platforms.
Auto-Lock helps secure the door after entry or exit, and users can review lock status, door status, battery levels, notifications, and event history in the SwitchBot App. Lock Ultra Max also provides on-device voice alerts and in-app text notifications for important conditions, including a low main battery, backup-battery use, a door left open or unlocked, and 13 categories of weather warnings such as rain, snow, thunderstorms, and fog.
Made for European Doors and Connected Homes
SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max is designed to support 99% of European locks, including common EU profile cylinders, knob cylinders, Swiss round cylinders, and UK oval cylinders, with additional adapters available for less common installations. The lock mounts inside the door while retaining the existing cylinder, and Keypad Vision Pro can be installed outside using adhesive or screws, allowing many households to complete the upgrade without drilling or permanent changes.
SwitchBot Hub Mini Matter Enabled is included in the combo, adding remote control through the SwitchBot App without requiring a separate hub purchase. It also brings the lock into compatible smart-home ecosystems through Matter over Bridge, including Apple Home and Home Assistant, so users can connect entry routines with the wider home rather than building a separate system around the lock.
Max Service for More Confident Ownership
For added peace of mind after purchase, customers who purchase the SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo during the launch period will receive Max Service for Lock Ultra Max at no additional cost. Combining an additional one-year warranty with fast return and exchange support, Max Service is designed to make ownership simpler and more reassuring from day one.
Pricing and Availability
Pre-orders for SwitchBot Lock Ultra Max Vision Pro Combo begin on September 03, 2026 through SwitchBot’s official EU and UK websites(activated on September 3) , with an MSRP of EUR 339.99 / GBP 339.99.
The one-year Max Service extended-warranty option has an MSRP of EUR 24.90 / GBP 24.90.
SwitchBot, a leading provider of AI-enabled embodied home robotics systems, today announced the launch and availability of SwitchBot AI MindClip at IFA 2026, a lightweight clip-on wearable AI assistant powered by Qwen. Designed for work, family, study, and everyday life, AI MindClip turns conversations, ideas, promises, and to-dos into summaries, reminders, searchable memories, and next actions.
From a partner’s morning reminder and a quick note at school pickup, to a client’s last-minute request or an idea during a commute, AI MindClip is designed to capture what slips away and remember it when it matters.
Visitors can experience SwitchBot AI MindClip hands-on at booth #H1.2-146.
Capture Ideas and To-Dos Before They Slip Away
Weighing just 16.8g, SwitchBot AI MindClip can be clipped to a collar, shirt, jacket, or bag strap, making it easy to wear throughout the day without changing how users move, dress, or communicate. With over 20 hours of continuous recording, 64GB of local storage, and a 3-meter near-field pickup range, it supports long workdays, busy family routines, and spontaneous moments of inspiration across meeting rooms, cafes, clinics, classrooms, and everyday environments.
AI MindClip also supports speaker recognition, speaker separation, and voiceprint recognition to help identify who said what in multi-person conversations. This makes captured content easier to understand and review later, especially when conversations involve family members, classmates, teammates, clients, or multiple meeting participants.
Captured Memories Turned into Timely Reminders
Drawing on AI capabilities from ChatGPT, Gemini, and other SOTA large language models, AI MindClip organizes recorded conversations into searchable, actionable information.
When charging, the device can automatically transfer recordings and help organize them into transcripts, summaries, key points, and structured notes. Users can also upload recordings after ending a conversation, allowing tasks, deadlines, and follow-ups to be extracted before they get buried in long audio files.
In the dedicated app and website for SwitchBot AI MindClip, captured moments are arranged into Timeline, Priority, Daily Memory, Weekly Summary, and To-Do Overview. AI-generated to-dos can be sorted by timeline and categorized into groups such as Work, Personal, Interests, and Holidays, helping users separate professional follow-ups from personal reminders, family planning, and everyday errands.
AI MindClip also supports syncing to-dos with Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, and Reminders, allowing captured action items to appear alongside existing schedules. When connected through the same calendars, users can also check to-dos summarized by AI MindClip on the SwitchBot E-Ink Home Dashboard, making reminders easier to see at home, at a desk, or in shared family spaces.
Ask AI, Searchable Memory, and Connected AI Workflows
With Ask AI, users can search past conversations using natural language, whether they need to recall what was promised, which follow-up was mentioned, what gift ideas came up for a friend, or what a partner asked them to handle that day. Instead of scrolling through long recordings, users can ask for the details they need and return directly to relevant memories.
This searchable memory layer also helps users bring real-world conversation context into broader AI workflows. With support for SwitchBot OpenAPI CLI, transcripts from AI MindClip can be used as contextual data sources for AI agents such as Codex, OpenClaw, Hermes Agent, and other AI workflow tools. For users who rely on AI assistants to plan, write, code, summarize, or manage tasks, AI MindClip helps connect spoken context from everyday life to the tools they already use.
Powered by Qwen for Enhanced Experience
AI MindClip also uses Qwen-powered AI capabilities to support some of its key features. For audio transcription, AI MindClip uses the Qwen-Audio-ASR speech recognition service, enabling recorded conversations to be converted into searchable text.
For the Ask AI function, AI MindClip uses Alibaba Cloud’s RAG architecture with ADBSQL as the retrieval database, while a Qwen-based model serves as the model used for question-answering.
Keep Private Memories Under Your Control
Built around privacy protection and user control, AI MindClip lets users start, pause, or stop recording through the device or app, with recording status visible via a blinking light indicator*. Records, transcripts, summaries, and to-dos can be reviewed, managed, and deleted in the app.
AI MindClip has passed EN18031, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701 certifications. The device also supports encrypted pairing and file transfer, end-to-end encryption, and in-app privacy and data management settings that help users stay in control of their recordings and personal content.
*Users are highly encouraged to inform any other parties present before recording. For specific practices, please refer to local legal regulations, which may differ by region.
Pricing and Availability
SwitchBot AI MindClip will be available for purchase via SwitchBot’s official website (activated on September 3) on September 3, with an MSRP of USD 119.99 / CAD 159.99 / GBP 119.99.
SwitchBot AI MindClip includes 300 minutes of free monthly transcription and AI service. For pricing of the paid subscription services, please refer to SwitchBot’s official website.
Subscription Pricing
Pro Plan:- 1200 minutes of transcription- Full access to AI summary functions & Ask AI
Unlimited Plan:- Unlimited transcription – Full access to AI summary functions & Ask AI
Engineered for premium home entertainment, AWOL Vision’s new flagship ultra-short-throw projector delivers 4K 120Hz performance, 6,000 ISO lumens of brightness, optical lens shift, and intelligent setup.
AWOL Vision, a global home entertainment brand delivering immersive audiovisual experiences through large-format displays, home cinema technology, and connected entertainment.
At IFA 2026, AWOL Vision makes its first appearance following a refreshed global brand identity unveiled in June 2026, marking a new stage in the company’s evolution toward a broader home entertainment experience. Centered around its new vision, “Bring Wonder Home,” the upgrade brings the AWOL Aetherion Series for ultra-short-throw projectors and AWOL Valerion Series for long-throw projectors under one cohesive AWOL Vision brand framework.
Joining the AWOL Aetherion Series in the ultra-short-throw lineup, AWOL LuxVision debuts as the brand’s new flagship projector for premium home entertainment and home theater spaces. The world’s first 4K 120Hz ultra-short-throw projector with optical shift, it combines 6000 ISO lumens, RGB triple-laser projection, a 0.18:1 throw ratio, and support for screen sizes up to 200 inches – delivering flagship-grade, large-format home entertainment in one seamless experience.
AWOL LuxVision: Nothing Between You and the Moment
At the heart of LuxVision is 4K at 120 frames per second, processing nearly one billion pixels every second to keep fast-moving scenes sharp, smooth, and naturally detailed — whether it’s a game-winning play, a high-speed racing sequence, or an action-packed movie. For gamers, that speed pairs with 1ms input lag, ALLM, VRR, and Dolby Vision Gaming, while three HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort, and 4-channel HDMI Multiview make it easy to bring multiple screens and sources into the moment.
With 6000 ISO Lumens of RGB triple-laser brightness, LuxVision keeps big-screen color vivid from bright daylight to late-night movies. 110% Rec. 2020 coverage, Dynamic Tone Mapping, and a 7-level dynamic IRIS fine-tune color, contrast, and light scene by scene, while Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, Filmmaker Mode, and 3D support deepen the cinematic experience across every type of content.
Optical performance gives LuxVision another level of flexibility. A 0.18:1 throw ratio turns an ultra-short distance into up to 200 inches of cinematic scale, while one-touch vertical optical lens shift lets you position the image exactly where it belongs — with true 4K detail fully intact. A motorized lens cover and zero-light-leakage lens keep the picture pure, aligned, and free of distraction.
Built on the natural smoothness of 4K 120Hz, AWOL’s second-generation Anti-RBE technology combines an optimized algorithm that covers all formats with TÜV Harmful Light Reduction, minimizing visible rainbow artifacts and visual fatigue for cleaner, more comfortable viewing across 2D and 3D content — especially in fast, high-contrast scenes.
Beyond performance, LuxVision is designed to belong in the home. Inspired by the architectural harmony of the Parthenon, LuxVision transforms classical column rhythm into a sculptural, modern UST form that feels refined in any room. With customizable CMF options, its color, material, and finish can be tailored to complement the mood and character of different living spaces.
Together, these technologies are designed around a simple idea: true immersion is not just about making the screen bigger, but about removing the distractions between the viewer and the experience. With LuxVision, there is Nothing Between You and the Moment.
Price and Availability
MSRP: $5,999 / €5,999 / £4,999
Launch Time: Around October
For more information about AWOL LuxVision, please visit AWOL’s Booth: H22-113
Founded in 2020, AWOL Vision is a home entertainment brand focused on delivering immersive audiovisual experiences through large-format display solutions, home cinema technologies, and connected entertainment products. AWOL Vision’s projector portfolio covers two core lines: the Valerion Series for premium long-throw projection, and the Aetherion and LuxVision Series for premium ultra-short-throw projection.
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The Razer Prio combines a compact foldable design, USB-C connectivity, responsive controls, and extensive customization in a mobile gaming controller that’s easy to take anywhere.
I’ve been an avid player of first-person shooter games since I was a kid. Call of Duty is one of my favorites, and a few years ago, I picked up Call of Duty: Mobile on my iPhone. At the time, I wasn’t a fan of on-screen controls, so I investigated mobile gaming controllers and ended up with the Razer Kishi. It was a great controller to use with the iPhone, and I did really well in-game with its help.
I did step away from mobile gaming for a short period of time, but I recently decided to pick it back up. Fortunately for me, Razer happened to release a brand new controller for mobile gaming called the Razer Prio. Given my previous experience with the Kishi, I was particularly interested to see how the Prio compared and whether its compact, foldable design could provide the same type of gaming experience in a more portable package.
About the Razer Prio
The Razer Prio is a mobile gaming controller designed to provide a more traditional console-style gaming experience without the bulk typically associated with mobile controllers. Its most notable feature is its foldable design, allowing the controller to collapse into a compact form that is easy to carry when you’re not gaming. At just 101 grams, the Prio is also considerably lighter than many traditional mobile gaming controllers.
When unfolded, the Prio provides a familiar controller layout with two analog sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers. Razer also equipped the controller with contactless capacitive analog sticks, which are designed to provide precise input while eliminating the physical contact points found in traditional potentiometer-based sticks.
The Prio connects directly to compatible smartphones through USB-C, eliminating the need for Bluetooth pairing or a built-in controller battery. This means there’s no controller to charge before a gaming session, although the controller does draw power from the connected smartphone. Razer says the Prio supports iPhone and Android devices, including phones with cases, making it compatible with a wide range of mobile gaming setups.
The controller also includes a dedicated Razer Cortex button for accessing supported games and services, including cloud and remote-play options. With its combination of a compact folding design, direct USB-C connection, and full controller controls, the Prio is designed for mobile gamers who want a more portable alternative to larger controllers without giving up the physical controls needed for serious gaming.
Specs
Connectivity: USB-C
Charging: None
Battery Life: None
Thumbsticks: Capacitive Thumbsticks
Thumbstick Sensitivity Adjustment: None
Multi-Function Buttons: 4 Multi-Function Buttons
Action Buttons: Silent Tactile Face Buttons
Triggers: Dual Bumper Triggers
System Requirements: Android 14 or higher; iOS 18
Supported Phone Dimensions: Devices up to 7 inches
Size: 101 mm × 67 mm
Weight: 101 g
Mobile App: Razer Cortex Mobile
Pricing & Availability
The Razer Prio is available for $99.99 on razer.com and Amazon.
User Experience
The Razer Prio comes in a classic Razer-branded box. It’s primarily white with Razer green used as an accent color, and there’s a full-color image of the controller on the front. When you open the box, you’ll find the controller folded up into itself, different sizes of rubber inserts, a manual, and the usual Razer stickers.
When I first took a look at the folded-up Prio, I was a little confused about how to unfold it. I tried to figure it out without looking at the manual, and once I pulled the rubber band off to one side, the two halves of the controller split apart. At first, I thought I had broken something, but this is actually part of the Prio’s design. Rather than trying to game with it right away, I spent a little time figuring out how to put it back together. While the process does feel a little awkward at first, after a couple of attempts, opening and closing the controller became fairly easy.
As I mentioned, Razer includes replacement rubber inserts for different iPhone models. The different configurations are:
iPhone: A + A
iPhone Pro Max: E + A
iPhone Air: A + D
I tested the Prio with both an iPhone 17 Pro Max and an iPhone 16 Pro, and the inserts worked as expected. One important thing to note is that the controller is not designed to work with all cases. The iPhone 16 Pro had a slim Defender-style case on it, and the Prio was unable to connect properly with the case installed. Removing the case resolved the issue.
Gaming with the Razer Prio
With the iPhone 17 Pro Max, I tested the Prio with Call of Duty: Mobile. The controller connected immediately and worked as expected as a wired controller. Overall, I think the Prio does a good job when it comes to responsiveness and general gameplay, although there are a few personal preferences that hold it back for me.
First, the thumbsticks sit almost flush with the rest of the controls. I prefer thumbsticks that sit higher, as they give me a greater sense of control and range of movement. I’m accustomed to the feel of an Xbox controller, and the Prio’s low-profile sticks feel noticeably different. This isn’t necessarily a flaw, but it did take some adjustment.
I also wasn’t a big fan of the L2 and R2 triggers. They have a somewhat squishy feel and lack the definitive tactile bump I prefer from a gaming controller. They also seem to have more travel than necessary. As a result, the triggers don’t feel quite as responsive or precise as I’d like, particularly during fast-paced gameplay.
Razer Cortex Mobile
With the iPhone 16 Pro, I connected the Prio to Razer Cortex Mobile and used the app as recommended. While Cortex is optional, I wanted to see how it integrates with the Prio and whether it adds anything meaningful to the overall experience.
One of the most useful aspects of Cortex is the additional customization it provides. The app can be used to update the controller’s firmware and change various controller settings. Most notably, I was able to adjust the thumbstick dead zones and polling rate.
This was one of the more surprising features I encountered while testing the Prio. I haven’t encountered many controllers in this category that offer this level of customization, particularly when being used with iOS devices. Having the ability to adjust the dead zones and polling rate gives users considerably more control over how the controller responds to their inputs.
After making sure the firmware was up to date, I played a few rounds of Combat Master, which provides a very similar first-person shooter experience to Call of Duty: Mobile. This gave me an opportunity to see whether my initial impressions of the Prio’s controls carried over to another FPS rather than relying solely on my experience with COD: Mobile. Since the controls felt virtually the same, I found that my initial impressions of the Prio carried over to another FPS.
After playing Combat Master, I moved over to Asphalt Legends Unite and found the controls to be more than adequate for this type of game. It doesn’t use as much of the controller as an FPS, but the controls were responsive and felt natural on the Prio. The overall experience was a significant improvement over using the touchscreen controls.
Final Impressions
I think the Prio is a very capable mobile gaming controller. It’s clearly designed with portability in mind, and much of my testing actually took place during a very long road trip. The compact, foldable design makes it remarkably easy to travel with, although I do wish Razer had included a carrying case. While the controls are protected when the controller is folded up, I still think a small case or sleeve would have been a worthwhile addition for protecting the Prio while it’s being carried around.
Overall, I found the controls to be responsive, and if you’re familiar with a console-style controller, the Prio should feel comfortable for mobile gaming. That said, the biggest adjustment for me was the overall layout and feel. Rather than reminding me of an Xbox controller, the Prio actually feels much more like the original Nintendo gamepad. The low-profile thumbsticks and overall arrangement of the controls give it a distinctly different feel from the traditional Xbox-style controllers I’m accustomed to using.
Conclusion
The Razer Prio is an interesting take on the mobile gaming controller. Rather than trying to replicate the size and feel of a traditional console controller, Razer took a different approach by making portability one of its biggest priorities. The foldable design makes the Prio easy to take with you, and the fact that it doesn’t require a battery or Bluetooth connection makes it especially convenient for mobile gaming on the go. It may take some adjustment if you’re accustomed to an Xbox-style controller, but the combination of its compact design, responsive controls, USB-C connectivity, and Cortex customization makes the Prio a compelling option for mobile gaming.
Building on its expertise in stylish, minimalist design, Arc brings its signature ethos to its first wallet.
Arc, a design-led technology accessory brand known for creating jewelry for devices, announces the Arc Vault, its first wallet. Where Arc Pulse became jewelry that protects your tech, Arc Vault is jewelry that protects your essentials. The launch extends Arc’s signature design language into a new everyday carry category.
The Arc Vault is a precision-machined aluminum card holder built around a proprietary one-motion fanning mechanism, with MagSafe compatibility built in. Its fully enclosed metal body also forms a faraday cage, blocking RFID signals and shielding your cards from electronic skimming. Available in two premium finishes, Polished Silver and Onyx Black, the wallet is designed, machined, and polished to the standard of jewelry. The Onyx Black edition is coated in tungsten carbide, the same material used in armor-piercing tank shells, one of the hardest coatings available, built to resist scratches for years of daily carry.
Most wallets ask you to choose between function and luxury. The Arc Vault refuses that split, bridging tech accessories and fine goods the same way the Arc Pulse first brought phone cases and jewelry together. Where most wallets bury cards behind each other or reveal them one at a time, the Arc Vault holds up to five cards and opens in a single motion, fanning every card into view at once while keeping everything locked in place.
The fanning mechanism is integrated directly into the Arc Vault itself. It’s proprietary, patent-pending technology, the result of more than a year of development. Paired with the Arc Pulse, the Arc Vault carries the same design language from pocket to phone.
“A wallet shouldn’t ask you to choose between security and style,” said Niclas Bertelsen, co-founder of Arc. “The Arc Vault is our first step outside devices, built to the same standard of precision we’ve always held ourselves to.”
Availability & Pricing:
The Arc Vault is available to order on September 1, 2026 on arc.cc in two finishes.
Polished Silver – $149.99
Onyx Black – $189.99
About Arc
Founded in 2019 by three friends from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Arc merges fashion and technology to create high-quality accessories that redefine our daily interactions with devices. With a focus on minimalist design and precision engineering, Arc offers eye-catching products with top-tier protection—empowering people to enjoy tech without sacrificing style.
After 15 years at the helm of Apple, Tim Cook is officially stepping down as the company’s chief executive officer.
As of September 1, 2026, John Ternus takes over as Apple’s new CEO, marking the first major change at the top of the company since Cook succeeded Apple co-founder Steve Jobs in 2011. Cook, however, isn’t leaving Apple. He will transition to the role of executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors, where he will continue to play a role in the company’s affairs.
The leadership change was first announced by Apple in April following what the company described as a carefully planned, long-term succession process. The transition was unanimously approved by Apple’s board of directors.
Tim Cook’s 15 Years as Apple’s CEO
Cook became Apple’s CEO in August 2011 after Steve Jobs resigned from the position because of his declining health. Taking over from one of the most influential figures in technology history was an enormous challenge, but Cook ultimately established a leadership style of his own.
Rather than attempting to replicate Jobs, Cook focused heavily on Apple’s operations, supply chain, services business, global expansion, and continued development of its hardware ecosystem.
During Cook’s tenure, Apple introduced several major product categories, including the Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro. The company also significantly expanded services such as Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, Apple TV+, and the App Store.
Apple’s financial and global footprint also grew substantially during Cook’s leadership. When he became CEO, Apple had a market capitalization of approximately $350 billion. By the time he stepped down, Apple had grown to a company valued at roughly $4 trillion, while annual revenue had increased from $108 billion in fiscal 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal 2025. Apple’s active installed base also grew to more than 2.5 billion devices.
Cook also oversaw Apple’s transition toward designing more of its own technology, including the company’s custom Apple silicon. The move has become one of the most significant developments in Apple’s modern hardware strategy, particularly across the Mac lineup.
Under Cook, Apple also placed greater emphasis on privacy, accessibility, environmental initiatives, and the company’s services business, which has grown into a more than $100 billion annual business.
John Ternus Becomes Apple’s New CEO
Taking over for Cook is John Ternus, a longtime Apple executive who has spent nearly his entire professional career at the company.
Ternus joined Apple’s product design team in 2001 and became vice president of Hardware Engineering in 2013. In 2021, he joined Apple’s executive team as senior vice president of Hardware Engineering.
That makes Ternus a particularly interesting choice to lead Apple.
While Cook built his reputation around operations, supply-chain management, and business execution, Ternus comes from a deeply technical and engineering-focused background.
During his time at Apple, Ternus has been involved with hardware development across virtually every major product category. Apple specifically credits him with work involving the iPad and AirPods, as well as numerous generations of the iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch.
His team has also played an important role in Apple’s recent hardware developments, including Apple silicon, improvements in product durability and repairability, and innovations in materials and manufacturing.
Ternus holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Before joining Apple, he worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems.
Cook Isn’t Leaving Apple
Although today marks the end of Cook’s tenure as CEO, it isn’t the end of his time at Apple.
As executive chairman, Cook is expected to remain involved in certain aspects of the company. Apple specifically noted that he will assist with matters including Apple’s engagement with policymakers around the world.
That means Apple isn’t completely severing ties with the executive who has led the company for the past 15 years.
The arrangement could also provide Ternus with an experienced resource as he takes on one of the most demanding leadership positions in the technology industry.
Cook has already expressed strong confidence in his successor, describing Ternus as someone with “the mind of an engineer” and “the soul of an innovator.” Apple chairman Arthur Levinson similarly called Ternus the best possible leader to succeed Cook.
What Does Ternus’ Leadership Mean for Apple?
Perhaps the biggest question now is what an engineer at the top of Apple could mean for the company’s future.
Ternus has spent 25 years working on Apple’s products, giving him an unusually deep understanding of the company’s hardware development process and product philosophy.
His promotion comes at an important time for Apple.
The company is facing increasing pressure to demonstrate that it can compete effectively in artificial intelligence, while also continuing to develop new hardware categories and maintain the enormous ecosystem that Cook helped build.
Apple’s AI efforts will be particularly important. The company has been working to expand Apple Intelligence and improve Siri as competition from companies such as OpenAI and Google continues to accelerate.
At the same time, Apple is expected to continue exploring new hardware categories and product designs. The company’s next generation of products could give Ternus an opportunity to put his hardware expertise directly into the CEO role.
That could make the transition more than a simple change in management. It could eventually signal a renewed emphasis on Apple’s product and engineering culture.
A New Era for Apple
Tim Cook’s departure as CEO represents the end of one of the longest and most consequential leadership eras in Apple’s history.
He inherited a company that had already become one of the world’s most important technology companies, but he leaves behind an Apple that is considerably larger, more diversified, and more deeply integrated into the lives of its customers around the world.
Now John Ternus has the difficult task of determining what comes next.
Unlike the transition from Steve Jobs to Cook, this change has been carefully planned and does not represent a sudden change in Apple’s leadership. Ternus has worked alongside Cook for years and has already spent more than two decades helping shape Apple’s products.
That could make the transition considerably smoother.
But the expectations will be enormous.
Ternus is taking control of Apple at a time when the company must navigate artificial intelligence, changing consumer expectations, new hardware categories, increasing competition, and the continued evolution of its enormous services business.
For now, one thing is certain: September 1, 2026, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Apple.
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