I'm kind of puzzled by the rumors myself. But your questions got me thinking... Yes, iPads can act as a home hub but our iPads regularly leave the house with us - mine for weeks at a time. I've set up our Apple TV as our hub. We have 4 cameras, a doorbell, a smattering of Hue lights, and some Sonos speakers around the house. I would probably buy a small dedicated device that would give us access to info that we normally have to use our mobile devices for - especially outside temperature / weather and camera views so we can keep an eye on our pup when he's making sure our patio is free of lizards!