Apple’s rumored smart home display could arrive early next year with Apple Intelligence on board
- Apple’s long-rumored smart home display could hit the market as early as March 2025
- It could have a 6-inch screen and run a new operating system
- Apple Intelligence could take center stage
There’s rarely a shortage of Apple rumors, but one that has been constant – and has increased in recent months – is that the tech giant is planning to release a smart home display. And it makes a lot of sense as Apple continues to push into the smart home – there are already two smart speakers, the HomePod and HomePod mini, major updates to the Home app, and we can’t forget that Apple is part of the smart home . home standard Matter.
However, now it seems that Apple is working at a record pace to prepare a smart home display. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports this that “a wall-mounted display that can control devices, video conference, and use AI to navigate apps” could launch as early as March 2025. That’s only five months away, and it sounds like a direct competitor to Amazon’s Echo Show 15. It could also be my dream Apple smart home display and a bit better than just a HomePod with a screen.
Gurman shares a bit more about the smart display, which is codenamed J490. As expected, it will be a showcase for Apple Intelligence and likely the smarter features of the upcoming Siri. From a design and hardware point of view, it comes in silver or black and comes in the form of a 6-inch square screen that resembles an iPad with thicker bezels. According to the report, the device is “about the size of two iPhones side by side” with a built-in camera for FaceTime calls or home monitoring, speakers and a rechargeable battery.
There’s no mention of the processor, but we expect it to be Apple Silicon as it will need to power a number of other sensors, including one that can detect how many people are near the screen. This is likely similar to Google’s Soli technology used on the Nest Thermostat to adjust what’s shown on the screen depending on whether you’re closer or further away.
Bloomberg’s report notes that the operating system is a cross between watchOS and the iPhone’s StandBy mode. This means you’ll probably get special apps and look at them as widgets. It is reported that it will run FaceTime, Safari, Music and Calendar, among others. Of course, it will also be an ideal way to control the smart home, and it is seen as a ‘Command Center’.
As for the interactions, it will be touch or hands-free voice via Siri, just like a HomePod or HomePod Mini. The report notes that the smart display is “designed around App Intents, a system that allows AI to accurately monitor applications and tasks” – a feature originally shown off at WWDC 2024 when Apple Intelligence launched.
Just as Amazon offers different designs for Echos or how Google’s Pixel Tablet can be mounted on a stand, Apple has reportedly created different attachments or bases for the smart display. The report notes that in addition to wall hanging, there will also be bases to place it on a desk, bedside table or even countertop, and these will provide better sound through additional speakers. It remains to be seen whether the wall mount will be magnetically attached to a holder, allowing you to move it quickly.
Like other smart displays, Apple’s will likely be a standalone device that you set up with an iPhone and sign into with your Apple Account (formerly an Apple ID) to enable easy data syncing and the ability to control things like music or a phone call over to wear. .
While this is a stationary, non-moving smart display from Apple, there are also many rumors going around about an intelligent display attached to a robotic arm that the company is said to be working on. Bloomberg’s latest report notes that this is in the pipeline, but further away, and will be much more expensive at $1,000. That makes sense, since it’s a robot. This smart display, which could hit the market next year, would be “much less” expensive and more in line with competitors like Amazon’s Echo Show.
All in all, it feels like it’s time for Apple to really get into the smart home, and it looks like the company really wants to take a piece of the smart display market from its mainstays. If it’s anything like the HomePod, iPad or iPhone, we can expect it to offer a premium build with strong audio and a good interface. It would also probably tick a box for many people who have been waiting for a good smart home control panel.
Furthermore, it would reinforce Apple’s commitment to the smart home and show that it is a category that the company sees on its long-term roadmap and in which it is likely to continue investing. We also saw rumors this week that Apple is considering developing smart home accessories such as cameras, and this report does mention that development of these could be accelerated if the smart display succeeds.
Of course, until Apple announces it, it’s anything but a rumor, so take this with a grain of salt, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Cupertino-based tech giant’s rumored smart display eventually sees the light of day.
