In an ambitious move to expand its footprint in the smart home market, Apple is reportedly gearing up to release a range of new AI-powered products, including a wall-mounted iPad, a robotic tabletop device, a smart home camera, and more.
According to a recent report, Apple plans to launch the wall-mounted smart display as soon as March 2025, with other products following in later stages. This move marks Apple's entry into a competitive market dominated by rivals like Amazon and Google.
The development of these smart home products has been in the works for about three years, with Apple CEO Tim Cook reportedly believing that the smart display will help Apple become a more formidable competitor in the growing smart home category.
This new device is expected to serve as the central control unit for other Apple Home products, offering a seamless and integrated experience for users looking to manage their home environment more effectively.
The wall-mounted smart display is currently being developed under the code-name J490, and it’s expected to feature a 6-inch squared display pane with thick edges around the screen. The display will likely feature a camera at the top, enabling video conferencing and other functionalities. The smart display will come with several features, including a rechargeable battery, built-in speakers, and a variety of color options, most likely black and silver.
For the software experience, the display will run on a new operating system, likely a hybrid between watchOS and the iPhone’s StandBy mode interface. It will come with the Apple App Store, allowing users to download supported apps for various activities such as web browsing, news consumption, media playback, and more.
Additionally, it will integrate FaceTime for video calls and provide access to users' Notes and calendar data. The interface will be centered around the new "App Intents" system, which is expected to debut soon.
Despite the touch interface, Apple anticipates that most user interactions will be conducted through voice commands, utilizing the Apple Intelligence-powered virtual assistant, Siri. Furthermore, Apple is working on accessories for the device, including an attachment to mount the display on the wall and a base/stand with built-in speakers for enhanced audio quality.
In addition to the wall-mounted smart display, Apple is reportedly working on other innovative smart home devices. One of the most exciting products in development is a robotic tabletop device, which will feature an iPad-like display attached to a robotic limb. This device will leverage AI technology to understand its surroundings, making it capable of sensing who is looking at the screen, what the user is doing, and even whom they are talking to. This level of AI-driven interaction will allow the device to adjust its actions and responses to better serve its users.
Additionally, Ming-Chi Kuo, a supply chain analyst, has reported that Apple is also developing a smart home camera. Kuo’s blog post indicated that this camera device is slated for production in 2026 and will be fully integrated into Apple’s broader ecosystem of smart home products. This integration will ensure a seamless user experience across all Apple devices, allowing users to control and monitor their homes from a centralized platform.
Apple’s strategy in the smart home market appears to focus on building a tightly integrated ecosystem of AI-driven products. By combining cutting-edge AI technology with its expertise in design and user experience, Apple is positioning itself to compete with industry leaders like Amazon and Google. The wall-mounted smart display will serve as a cornerstone of this ecosystem, enabling users to control various smart home devices through a single, intuitive interface.
The development of products like the robotic tabletop device and smart camera indicates Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the smart home space, integrating features that go beyond simple automation to provide users with a truly intelligent home experience. As these devices continue to evolve, Apple is expected to unveil a more expansive lineup of smart home products, further solidifying its position in this competitive market.
Apple’s move into the smart home market with AI-powered devices signals a bold new chapter for the company as it looks to expand its ecosystem of products and services. With the wall-mounted smart display expected to launch in March 2025, along with other innovative devices like a robotic tabletop and smart camera, Apple is poised to offer a suite of products that will not only enhance the smart home experience but also compete directly with established players like Amazon and Google.
By focusing on AI integration, user experience, and seamless interoperability between its devices, Apple is shaping the future of home automation in a way that prioritizes both convenience and intelligence. As Apple continues to innovate and expand its smart home portfolio, it’s clear that the company is making a strategic push to redefine how we interact with our homes.