Apple Set to Launch AI-Powered Smart Home Tablet in 2025

Apple Plans Smart Home Tablet With AI Personality

Apple is preparing to unveil a new AI-enabled device, as it works to catch up with rivals in the smart home market. Sources say the company is gearing up to announce the device as early as March and will position it as a command center for the home. Technology Reporter Mark Gurman reports on "Bloomberg: The Asia Trade." (Source: Bloomberg)

Apple Plans Smart Home Tablet With AI Personality

Apple is preparing to unveil a new AI-enabled device, as it works to catch up with rivals in the smart home market. Sources say the company is gearing up to announce the device as early as March and will position it as a command center for the home. Technology Reporter Mark Gurman reports on "Bloomberg: The Asia Trade." (Source: Bloomberg)

Apple is going after Google and Amazon with a new smart home competitor

How AI is helping advertisers pinpoint exactly who you are and what you want Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources familiar with Apple's plans, reports that the iPhone maker is developing what will be a wall-mounted home "command center" that will be able to control appliances, call up Apple's voice assistant Siri, and carry out video calls. The product, internally known as J490, is set to be announced as soon as March, Bloomberg reports, and the company hopes it will make a splash in the smart home market. The device will be something of a square iPad, according to Bloomberg, with an approximately 6-inch touchscreen and a thick-bordered display. It will also feature a front camera, a rechargeable built-in battery, and internal speakers, and it will come in silver and black. Apple is reportedly expecting most people to control the device with their voice, using Siri and Apple Intelligence, Apple's recently rolled out suite of artificial intelligence tools. The new device will be a direct rival to established products, including Amazon's Echo Show and Echo Hub, and Google's Nest Hub -- smart home tablets that control other devices, including smart speakers like Amazon's Alexa and Google Nest. Apple is planning to price the display similar to that of competitors, so it could be in the $150 to $230 range. A higher-end version, which will have a robot arm that can move the display, would cost about $1,000, sources told Bloomberg. Apple Intelligence will be a particular focal point for the company as it continues to introduce new products. Last month, Apple finally rolled out Apple Intelligence for users with the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16, after weeks of delays. The AI has the ability to understand and create images and language; edit, change tone, and proofread text; and create new emojis using a typed description. Siri will also become more natural, and will allow users to access ChatGPT directly from their devices. But the company has opted for a staggered rollout of its new AI features, with the next wave set to come out in December. This includes more powerful writing tools, visual additions to ChatGPT integration, and localized English in several countries. Apple plans to add more languages and other tools next April. Apple CEO Tim Cook said on a call with analysts following the company's September quarter results that the introduction of AI to Apple's slate of products is a transformative leap for Apple, which has had a late start in the AI race. "Apple Intelligence marks the beginning of a new chapter for Apple innovation," Cook said.

Apple's Next Device Is an AI Wall Tablet for Home Control, Siri and Video Calls

Apple Inc., aiming to catch up with rivals in the smart home market, is nearing the launch of a new product category: a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps. The company is gearing up to announce the device as early as March and will position it as a command center for the home, according to people with knowledge of the effort. The product, code-named J490, also will spotlight the new Apple Intelligence AI platform, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is confidential.

Apple reportedly releasing a wall-mounted smart home tablet in 2025 - and yes, it does AI | TechCrunch

Apple is gearing up to announce a new smart home hub, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. As early as March 2025, the iPhone maker could release a tablet that mounts to your wall, control smart home appliances, does video calls, and of course does Apple Intelligence. The device reportedly has a 6-inch touchscreen, but it's expected that, like a HomePod, most will use voice to control it, either through Siri, Apple Intelligence, or an upcoming system called "App Intents" that lets AI control applications. It supposedly runs on a new OS, with sensors to detect how close a person is, but will have traditional Apple apps like Safari, Apple Music, Notes, and Calendar. Apple's "command center for the home" seems intended as a rival to Amazon's Echo Hub and Google's Nest Hub, so expect it to be priced similarly (i.e. $100 to $250). However, Apple is also working on an iPad on a robotic arm that follows you around the room, which could cost closer to $1000.

Apple May Launch iPad-Like Smart Home Control Device in March 2025

Apple's rumored device could look something like this. (Credit: recep-bg/Getty Images) Apple's foray into smart home devices is expected in March 2025 with an AI-powered, wall-mounted tablet, Bloomberg reports, citing people familiar with the development. The iPad-like device, internally known as J490, will act as a "command center" for smart home appliances and rival Amazon's Echo Hub and Google's Nest Hub. It will control appliances, handle video calls, and leverage AI to launch apps. The rumored device will have a 6-inch touchscreen display, thick bezels, a front camera, a rechargeable built-in battery, and speakers. It may be about the size of two iPhones placed next to each other and come in two color options: black or silver. Its user interface may be like a blend of the Apple Watch's interface and iPhone's "StandBy" mode, the report suggests. However, since Apple expects most customers will interact with the device using voice commands, its features will be deeply integrated with Siri and Apple Intelligence. The operating system, codenamed Pebble, will feature apps built using App Intents, an Apple framework that lets developers make their app's content discoverable via Spotlight, widgets, and enhanced action capabilities of Siri with Apple Intelligence. We don't yet know what apps will come pre-installed, but it's possible Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Calendar, and Notes could come pre-loaded on the smart home device. Users may have to be content with these native apps as there won't be a dedicated App Store to download others. Apple thought about including one at first but reportedly dropped the idea recently. Since home security is also shaping up to be a primary area of focus for Apple, it'll tap into its HomeKit framework for controlling devices. The smart home screen device may display footage from cameras and video doorbells and can serve as an intercom device in homes with multiple Apple displays. CEO Tim Cook is keen to launch the product since he thinks Apple can be a "force" in the smart home segment, according to the report. If the smart display does well, Apple might also launch a smart home robot with thin robotic arms. That device may be marketed as a "home companion with an AI personality." The display-only device might be priced close to its competitors between $150-$230, and the smart robot might cost as much as $1,000.

Apple's Rumored Smart Home Hub Could Bring Siri and AI to Your Wall

Samantha Kelly is a freelance writer with a focus on consumer technology, AI, social media, Big Tech, emerging trends and how they impact our everyday lives. Her work has been featured on CNN, NBC, NPR, the BBC, Mashable and more. Apple is reportedly developing a wall-mounted display designed to control smart home products directly within the household. The device, code-named J490 is expected to support video calls, manage smart home appliances such as thermostats, lights, and security cameras, integrate with Siri and utilize Apple's advanced AI for app access, according to a Bloomberg report. It will also feature a built-in camera, rechargeable battery, Apple apps for web browsing, music streaming, and access to Notes and Calendar. Although the product, expected to be a 6-inch iPad-like display, has been rumored before, the report revealed new details about the device, which is anticipated to launch in March. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This product is said to be part of Apple's strategy to advance in the smart home arena, where it has traditionally lagged behind Google and Amazon. Bloomberg reports that CEO Tim Cook has prioritized the development of this display as part of a broader push to strengthen Apple's presence in smart home technology. The touchscreen display, reportedly available in silver and black with thick bezels, is said to be equipped with sensors that detect user proximity, allowing it to adjust the screen content based on their location. Bloomberg also noted that Apple is exploring a premium version of the smart display with a robotic arm and the ability to spin 360 degrees, potentially priced up to $1,000. While the base model's price is not yet clear, competing devices like the Echo Show 8 and Nest Hub Max are priced at $150 and $230, respectively. This latest report aligns with insights from notable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who recently said Apple aims to broaden its smart home ecosystem by introducing an AI-powered smart home IP camera in 2026.

Apple's rumored smart display could arrive in March with a focus on AI and smart home

Apple could release an iPad-like home hub with AI and smart home features The pivot from Apple Car set the stage for bigger investments in the smart home, and the initial products from that shift could be launching as soon as March according to a new rumor. According to people speaking to Bloomberg, the device would have a square-ish display, something rumored before, and would be portable with an internal battery. It would mount to anchor points set by users on the wall, in a speaker stand in the kitchen, or in a stand by the bedside. It seems the idea is that Apple wants to sell multiple devices to a household so that they might be used as a kind of smart home accessory. It could be an AI hub with access to Siri, ChatGPT, home controls, and select notifications. The device would have thick bezels with a camera at the top center. It could be used to make FaceTime calls in the kitchen or make conference calls in the office. Sensors would determine how many people are in the room and how close a user is that is controlling the device. The closer the user, the more dense the information being displayed. The rumor suggests Apple's home hub device would be priced and pitched near the sub-$300 smart displays offered by Amazon and Google. It isn't an iPad alternative, nor does it run any existing Apple operating system. If Apple does announce the new home hub in March, it will be interesting to see how the company pitches it to users. For example, Apple could emphasize that homes with multiple devices could still use a home hub since it is a multi-user platform, unlike iPad or iPhone. The report suggests Apple could use the market reaction to the home hub to determine if it will move forward with future products, like the future $1,000 robotic arm home hub or smart cameras. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested Apple's move to introducing smart cameras could come as soon as 2026.

Apple to announce AI wall tablet as soon as March, Bloomberg News reports

(Reuters) - Apple is planning on launching a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle video conferencing and use artificial intelligence to navigate apps, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the effort. The product, code-named J490, could be announced as early as March, the report said, adding that it will spotlight the new AI platform, Apple Intelligence. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The higher-end device could be priced as much as $1,000 depending upon the components being used, the report said, but the display-only device would be far less than that. The potential device launch would come as the tech behemoth looks to compete with rivals in the smart home market, including Google's Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show and Echo Hub smart displays. The AI wall tablet, which looks like a square iPad and is about the size of two iPhones side by side, has a roughly 6-inch screen and will be offered in silver and black colors, Bloomberg News said. The product will be a standalone device, but it will require an iPhone for some tasks, the report said. (Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru; editing by Alan Barona)

Report: Apple Developing AI-Powered Smart Home Device | PYMNTS.com

Apple will reportedly announce a device in a new product category -- one that brings together artificial intelligence, apps and smart home functions -- as early as March. The device, which is code-named J490, will include a six-inch screen, a camera, a rechargeable battery and internal speakers, and will be able to be mounted to a wall or placed on a surface, Bloomberg reported Tuesday (Nov. 12), citing unnamed sources. It will also be equipped with Siri, Apple Intelligence and a touch interface, according to the report. A later version will be fitted with a robotic arm that can move the screen. Apple did not immediately reply to PYMNTS' request for comment. The company's new device will enable users to control home appliances, interact with Siri, hold FaceTime sessions, browse the web, listen to news updates, play music, access calendar information, display photos and monitor security camera footage, according to the Bloomberg report. The device will compete with Amazon's Echo Show and Echo Hub and Google's Nest Hub, the report said. The display-only version will be priced similar to those offerings, while the more expensive one with a robotic arm could cost as much as $1,000. Apple aims to sell multiple units to consumers so they can have them in different rooms and use them as an intercom system, per the report. It was reported in September that Apple aimed to introduce a new smart home device in spring 2025 that brings together the capabilities of an iPad, Apple TV and HomePod. That report said that the device codenamed J490 had also been dubbed "HomeAccessory," though it may be given a new marketing name, and that it will be powered by the A18 chip so that it can support Apple Intelligence features. Another potential new product category for Apple -- smart glasses -- was reported Nov. 4. The company is reportedly exploring the viability of entering the smart glasses market by launching an in-house study of currently available products and getting feedback from Apple workers on smart glasses. Further focus groups will be held in the near future, overseen by Apple's Product Systems Quality team, which is part of the company's hardware engineering department.

Apple's answer to the Nest Hub could arrive in 2025 - Phandroid

Apple's entry into the smart home market has been kind of small and not particularly impactful. So far, the company's smart home devices essentially consist of the HomePod and the HomePod Mini. That could change in 2025 as Apple could launch their next smart home product that is similar to the Google Nest Hub. According to a report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple's next foray into the smart home market could launch in 2025 in the form of a smart display. This would essentially be similar to other smart displays like the Nest Hub, Echo Show, and so on. The main difference is that it is expected to be powered by AI. It will be smart in the sense that it will rely on sensors to show contextual information on the screen. For instance, the screen could show the temperature if no one is nearby. But if someone walks close and the sensors detect a human presence nearby, it could switch to thermostat controls. Gurman's report suggests that it will be a relatively small device that could look quite similar to an iPad. It is rumored to measure approximately 6-inches and will be square-ish in its design. It will host a camera, built-in speakers, and a rechargeable battery to top things off. We suppose the main draw here would be its AI features which could potentially help it stand out amongst the competition. Apparently this device has been in the works for the past three years. It's also something that Apple's CEO Tim Cook has been pushing as a priority. So far we can't say we're too excited or impressed based on the rumors, but perhaps there could be more to it than has been let on. Either way, hopefully we'll have more details in 2025, so until then take it with a grain of salt.

Apple's Upcoming AI Wall Tablet Expected to Launch in March

Apple is reportedly gearing up to unveil an innovative new product, a wall-mounted display powered by artificial intelligence by March 2024. According to a Bloomberg News report, the device, internally referred to as J490, will bring a host of new features aimed at competing with other smart home devices, including Google's Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show. The wall tablet which will be powered by AI is speculated to be an independent unit being a control unit of smart devices in homes, an interface for video calling, and a means to sign into apps using artificial intelligence. The gadget looks like a square iPad and will be approximately two iPhones in width when placed side by side. It will include a 6-inch screen and come in silver and black colours. The device will also need an iPhone to perform some of the tasks, although it will be able to run on its own. This linking with iPhone users should in turn improve the user experience and make it more efficient to complete functions across the Apple environment. Apple's new tablet will feature its brand new AI solution Apple Intelligence that shall enhance app recommendations as well as smart home control.

Apple's Next Device Will Reportedly Be Mounted on Your Wall: 'They Feel Like They're Going to Sell a Lot of These Things'

Apple's device will come with Apple Intelligence and function as a smart home control center capable of monitoring locks, speakers, and other devices. Apple's next big thing is a smart home device infused with Apple Intelligence, according to a new Bloomberg report published Tuesday. The device will look like a square iPad, the size of two iPhones side-by-side, and be able to be mounted to the wall, per the report. It will feature a 6-inch screen and function as a smart command center for the home, with control over locks, lights, sprinklers, speakers, and other smart home appliances. Just like the iPhone, which recently received an Apple Intelligence update, the new device for home will come with Siri and Apple Intelligence. Users will interact with the smart device with their voice, and be able to talk to Siri to ask questions and give commands. They will also have access to FaceTime, audio and video intercoms, and Apple Music. "They [Apple] feel like they're going to sell a lot of these things, they feel like people are going to buy multiple versions of these for their homes," Bloomberg chief correspondent Mark Gurman stated. Apple could release the device by March at the earliest, per Bloomberg. Related: Apple Intelligence 'Changed My Life,' Says CEO Tim Cook. Here's How the New iPhone AI Saves Him Time. With the device, Apple is entering a crowded space. Amazon has led the way globally, owning 28% of the market share compared to Google's 17.2% in the first quarter of 2022. The smart device Apple is planning will have to compete with the Echo Show 8 from Amazon, which goes for $150, and the Nest Hub Max from Google, which costs $230. Apple will strive to differentiate itself with never-before-seen Apple Intelligence features, according to the report. Related: Apple Is Reportedly Eyeing the Home Robot Space After Scrapping Its 10-Year Electric Car Project For one, the screen will use smart sensors and AI to automatically figure out how near or far someone is to adjust what it shows accordingly. For example, it could show the temperature of the room if someone is further away, and then show a thermostat if that person comes closer to adjust the temperature. Apple will competitively price its smart home offering, per Bloomberg, but will still be playing catch-up to Google and Amazon, which have a years-ahead advantage. Amazon released the first Echo Show in the U.S. in 2017 and Google came out with the Nest Hub, known then as the Home Hub, in 2018. "They [Apple] are a serious lagger in the smart home market," Gurman said.

Apple's next big thing could be an iPad-like wall display for controlling your smart home

It's said the device will bring Siri and Apple Intelligence to life in a way that hasn't happened before. Apple is believed to be eyeing the smart home market as the next place for it to make waves. To accomplish this goal, it has been reported that the company is working on a number of projects, including a smart display for controlling your smart home. A new report now provides details on what would be Apple's first smart display. According to Bloomberg, Apple is developing a wall-mounted display designed for controlling appliances, handling videoconferencing, and using AI to navigate apps. Codenamed J490, the product is meant to highlight Siri and the company's AI platform, Apple Intelligence, in a way that hasn't happened before. The publication says that the hardware is designed around App Intents. This feature is meant to help AI control applications and tasks. The smart home hub may also include sensors that tell it how close you are, allowing it to adjust what's on the screen. For example, it may show the temperature until you move in closer; then it may switch to a thermostat panel for adjustable room temperature. Apple could also be developing accessories for the device. A few that were mentioned are an indoor security camera/baby monitor, external sensors that can tell how many people are nearby, and bases with additional speakers that can be placed around the home. Apps and widgets will be able to run on the screen, but it's said Apple decided not to make an app store for the initial version of the device. These apps and widgets can be used for purposes like checking stock tickers, the weather, or appointments. There may also be a dock for quickly launching your favorite apps. This new OS is said to look like something between the Apple Watch OS and iPhone's new StandBy mode. It should come with apps for browsing the web, listening to news updates, and music. However, sources close to the matter say Apple expects users will interact with the hub more through voice via Siri and Apple Intelligence than through the screen. However, home security seems to be one of the main focuses. It may be able to deliver security alerts and display camera footage, like footage from your video doorbell. There may even be a feature that allows you to use it as an intercom system with other Apple displays around your home. Given that Apple expects people will mostly interact with the device through voice, it makes sense that the display could get the company's Handoff feature. This allows for tasks to be started on one device and then continued on the iPhone.

Apple developing an iPad-like AI device that can be mounted on a...

Apple is planning on launching a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle video conferencing and use artificial intelligence to navigate apps, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the effort. The product, code-named J490, could be announced as early as March, the report said, adding that it will spotlight the new AI platform, Apple Intelligence. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The higher-end device could be priced as much as $1,000 depending upon the components being used, the report said, but the display-only device would be far less than that. The potential device launch would come as the tech behemoth looks to compete with rivals in the smart home market, including Google's Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show and Echo Hub smart displays. The AI wall tablet, which looks like a square iPad and is about the size of two iPhones side by side, has a roughly 6-inch screen and will be offered in silver and black colors, Bloomberg News said. The product will be a standalone device, but it will require an iPhone for some tasks, the report said.

Apple could roll out wall-mounted Smart Display for Home by early 2025

Apple is set to make its move into the smart home market with a new wall-mounted device designed to control appliances, handle video calls, and leverage AI to navigate apps. According to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device, code-named J490, is expected to launch as early as March 2025. Apple plans to position the device as a "command center for the home," featuring its new Apple Intelligence AI platform. Apple's CEO Tim Cook is betting on this device to strengthen the company's presence in the smart home segment, where it has been outpaced by major competitors like Amazon and Alphabet Inc. Cook has made this device a priority, enlisting Apple's engineering and design teams to bring it to market after more than three years of development, the report noted. Gurman shared the following key features and specifications of the device: The device will run on a new operating system called "Pebble," which will allow it to display specific information, such as temperature, from a distance, and provide more detailed controls up close. Users can also customize the home screen with widgets for weather, stock updates, and appointments. A dock for quick app access will further enhance usability. Though Apple initially considered adding an app store, the company has decided to exclude it in this release, Gurman noted. The report noted that the device will integrate with Apple's HomeKit platform, supporting third-party devices like thermostats, lights, and security cameras. Security features will include alerts and footage from compatible smart doorbells and cameras, along with an intercom system for communication between rooms. Additionally, Apple is exploring its own smart home accessories, such as an indoor security camera with privacy features that could double as a baby monitor, and a sensor-based system to detect room occupancy and adjust functionality, potentially using external wall-mounted sensors. While this feature may be delayed or canceled, it highlights Apple's ongoing efforts to innovate in the smart home space, the report added. According to Gurman's report, Apple is already planning a premium version of the device, which could cost as much as $1,000. This high-end model is expected to feature a robotic arm for screen mobility and may include an AI-powered companion personality. The display-only version will be priced competitively, likely similar to Amazon's Echo Show 8 ($150) and Google's Nest Hub Max ($230). This standalone device will operate largely independently but will require an iPhone for initial setup and certain functions. Apple's Handoff feature will also allow users to begin a task on the smart display and continue it seamlessly on their iPhone. Apple hopes to sell multiple units of the device to consumers, aiming for it to become a daily essential in homes, the report concluded.

Apple's New AI Wall Tablet With Siri And Video Calling Set To Challenge Amazon And Google In Smart Home Race - Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN)

Apple Inc. AAPL reportedly plans to unveil a new AI wall tablet to challenge Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN and Alphabet Inc.'s GOOG GOOGL in the smart home race. What Happened: Apple's device, codenamed J490, can control appliances, handle video calls, and leverage AI to navigate apps. The device is expected to be announced as early as March and will serve as a home command center, reported Bloomberg, citing people with knowledge of the effort. Available in silver and black, it features a 6-inch screen, camera, rechargeable battery, and speakers. It also combines Apple Watch and iPhone StandBy modes with Siri and Apple Intelligence as the primary interface. See Also: Apple Ordered By EU To End Geo-Blocking On App Store, iTunes And Other Apps Depending on the components, the higher-end device could cost up to $1,000 while the display-only version will be significantly cheaper. The product will be standalone, but an iPhone will be needed for certain tasks, the report noted. Apple did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comments. Subscribe to the Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox. Why It Matters: Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that the product will establish Apple as a major player in the smart home market, where it has lagged behind Alphabet and Amazon, the report stated. He has prioritized its development, urging the engineering and design teams to bring it to market after over three years of work. Earlier it was reported that Apple is working on a new smart home display inspired by the iMac G4's design. The company also plans to make its "first foray" into the smart home IP camera market in 2026, aiming for "tens of millions" of annual shipments. Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by following this link. Read Next: Apple Music Launched A $450 Limited-Edition Coffee Table Book: '100 Best Albums' Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs

Apple's rumored smart home display might arrive early next year with Apple Intelligence onboard

There is seldom a shortage of Apple rumors, but one that has been constant - and heating up in recent months - is that the technology 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 standard Matter. Now, though, it seems Apple is working at a record pace to ready a smart home display. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports that "a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing, and use AI to navigate apps" could launch as early as March 2025. That's just five months away, and it sounds like a direct competitor to Amazon's Echo Show 15. It might 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'll be a showcase for Apple Intelligence and likely the smarter features of the forthcoming Siri. From a design and hardware standpoint, it'll come in silver or black and stand as a 6-inch square screen that resembles an iPad with thicker bezels. The report states it's "about the size of two iPhones side by side" with a built-in camera seemingly for FaceTime calls or home monitoring, speakers, and a rechargeable battery. There is no mention of the processor, but we'd expect it to be Apple Silicon as it will need to power some other sensors, including one that can detect how many people are near the display. This is likely similar to Google's Soli technology that is used on the Nest Thermostat to adjust what's on screen based on whether you're closer to it or farther away. Bloomberg's report notes that the operating system is a cross between watchOS and the iPhone's StandBy mode. This means you'll likely get dedicated apps and peek into them like widgets. It's 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 being pegged as a "Command Center." As far as interactions go, it will either be touch or hands-free voice through Siri, much like a HomePod or HomePod Mini. The report notes that the smart display was "designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks" - a feature originally shown off at WWDC 2024 when Apple Intelligence was launched. Just as Amazon offers several designs for Echos or how Google's Pixel Tablet can be affixed to a stand, Apple has reportedly made different attachments or bases for the smart display. The report notes that beyond hanging on a wall, there will be bases for placing it on a desk, nightstand, or even counter, and these will offer better sound through additional speakers. It remains to be seen if the wall attachment will be done magnetically to a mount, allowing you to move it around quickly. Like other smart displays, Apple's will likely be a standalone device that you set up with an iPhone and sign in to with your Apple Account (formerly an Apple ID) to enable easy data syncing and the ability to hand off things like music or a call. While this is a stationary, non-moving smart display from Apple, there are also many rumors of an intelligent display attached to a robotic arm that the company is said to be working on. Bloomberg's latest report notes that it is in the pipeline but farther out and will be much more costly at $1,000. That makes sense, considering it's a robot. This smart display, which could launch next year, is said to be "far-less" expensive and closer in line with competitors like Amazon's Echo Show. All in all, it feels like it's about time for Apple to really enter the smart home, and it seems like the company really wants to take a piece of the smart display market from the 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 likely check off the box for a lot of folks who have been waiting for a proper smart home control panel. Further, it would reinforce Apple's commitment to the smart home and show that it's a category that the company sees on its roadmap for the long haul and one that it'll likely continue to invest in. We also saw rumors this week that Apple is considering developing smart home accessories like cameras, and this report does mention that the development of those could be sped up if the smart display succeeds. Of course, until Apple announces it's all but a rumor, so take this with a grain of salt, but I wouldn't be shocked if the rumored smart display from the Cupertino-based technology giant eventually sees the light of day.

AI wall tablet to be announced by Apple as soon as March

The higher-end device could be priced as much as $1,000 depending upon the components being used, the report said, but the display-only device would be far less than that. Apple is planning on launching a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle video conferencing and use artificial intelligence to navigate apps, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the effort. The product, code-named J490, could be announced as early as March, the report said, adding that it will spotlight the new AI platform, Apple Intelligence. Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Prices high as one grand The higher-end device could be priced as much as $1,000 depending upon the components being used, the report said, but the display-only device would be far less than that. The potential device launch would come as the tech behemoth looks to compete with rivals in the smart home market, including Google's Nest Hub and Amazon's Echo Show and Echo Hub smart displays. The AI wall tablet, which looks like a square iPad and is about the size of two iPhones side by side, has a roughly 6-inch screen and will be offered in silver and black colors, Bloomberg News said. The product will be a standalone device, but it will require an iPhone for some tasks, the report said. Sign up for the Business & Innovation Newsletter >>

Apple targeting March release for new wall-mounted smart display product: report - 9to5Mac

Apple is aiming to release its first Apple Intelligence-powered smart home device as early as March, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The product will take the form of "a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps." The product features the codename J490, which 9to5Mac first reported in September. It will feature a square display that Bloomberg says is roughly 6 inches and "about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display." It will also reportedly feature a camera at the top center along with a rechargeable built-in battery and speakers. The design is centered around being attached to a wall like a "classic home-security panel" and will be available silver and black color options. Bloomberg also reports that there will be "bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk." On the software side of things, Bloomberg reports: The screen device, which runs a new operating system code-named Pebble, will include sensors to determine how close a person is. It will then automatically adjust its features depending on the distance. For example, if users are several feet away, it might show the temperature. As they approach, the interface can switch to a panel for adjusting the home thermostat. The newly designed operating system will also include a customizable home screen where users can run widgets for checking stock tickers, the weather and appointments. Or they can configure the screen to highlight key home controls. There will also be a dock for quickly launching favorite apps and an iPhone-like home screen grid of software icons. Apple reportedly "discussed launching an app store as part of the device" but recently scrapped this idea for the initial version. It will also tap into HomeKit for controlling smart home devices. Apple is also continuing its work on a higher-end smart home product that features a robotic limb to move the screen around, priced at around $1,000. This wall-mounted display will cost "far less than that" and be similar to products like Amazon's Echo Show line. Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence at WWDC in June and released the first features for iPhone and Mac users last month. The company hasn't, however, share any details about its Apple Intelligence plans for the its HomePod smart speaker. This wall-mounted display product will focus on integrating Siri and Apple Intelligence into the home in an entirely new form factor. "The hardware was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks, which is set to debut in the coming months," Bloomberg says.

Apple's next big thing may be a smart iPad you can hang on your wall

The device reportedly is built around Apple Intelligence and has a brand new UI. Apple just wrapped up its slate of 2024 devices, but it's never too early to look ahead. And according to a new report, big things are on the way. As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is looking to launch a new "wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps." The device, which Gurman says could arrive as early as March, is "a priority" for Tim Cook, who is pushing to get it to market after more than three years of development. Gurman describes the device as a square iPad with a 6-inch screen, "about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display." He says it has a camera at the top front, a rechargeable built-in battery, and internal speakers. It will reportedly be available in silver and black. Gurman doesn't venture to guess what the device will be called. Of note, the new device won't run iPadOS or tvOS. Instead, it has "a touch interface that looks like a blend of the Apple Watch operating system and the iPhone's recently launched StandBy mode." It will also be powered by Siri, which is expected to be the preferred method of interaction, like the Echo Show or Nest Hub. The OS is reportedly built around Apple's App Intents, the upcoming Apple Intelligence framework that "provides functionality to deeply integrate your app's actions and content with system experiences across platforms, including Siri, Spotlight, widgets, controls and more." Furthermore, the device will interact with Apple's existing apps and services, including FaceTime, Safari, Apple Music, News+, Notes, Calendar, and Photos. Apple is also reportedly working on a higher-end version with a robotic arm that can spin 360 degrees and tilt up and down. Also this week, it was reported by Ming-Chi Kuo that Apple is working on a smart home camera that could be released in 2026. It's likely that the iPad described by Gurman will function as a home hub for cameras and other smart home gadgets and will likely be the start of a push into that category. As it stands, HomePods and Apple TV can work as a home hub, but this new device would be part of a renewed effort to define the Apple smart home.

The new Apple AI home automation control center is expected to arrive in March 2025: this is what we know - Softonic

According to rumors, Apple has been exploring the smart home device market for several years, and everything indicates that in March 2025 we could see the launch of its first home automation control device based on Apple Intelligence. This new smart display, which will be wall-mounted, aims to become the control center of our homes, integrating Apple applications, HomeKit, and the artificial intelligence functionalities that Apple has been developing. According to Bloomberg, the device, known internally as J490, will have a compact and square design of approximately 6 inches, "similar in size to two iPhones placed side by side, with a noticeable frame around the screen." It will be available in two color options, black and silver, and will have a camera at the top, as well as a rechargeable battery and built-in speakers. Its design is reminiscent of "classic security panels," intended to be installed on a wall and quickly accessible. Regarding the functionalities, the device will offer a proximity detection system thanks to sensors that perceive how many people are nearby and at what distance. In addition to speakers linked to the control center that we could take to other rooms, according to Bloomberg, Apple is also developing external sensors. These would be, as far as we know, connected to wall sockets and could expand the proximity detection capability. Apparently, these additional sensors are still in the testing phase and may not be released. The integration of Apple Intelligence will be fundamental in this device, as it will allow us to interact through voice commands with Siri. This intelligence will enable the device to change its interface based on our proximity: when we are at a certain distance, the screen could display general interest information, such as the temperature, while as we get closer, the interface could change to offer us specific controls, such as heating regulation. The operating system that powers this smart display has been nicknamed Pebble and resembles the StandBy of the iPhone or Apple Watch. "The screen will be customizable, allowing us to add widgets to view the most relevant information, from weather and calendars to specific home controls. It will also include a dock for quick access to the most used applications and an icon layout similar to that of iPhones." According to Bloomberg, although Apple considered including an app store for this device, it has ultimately discarded this idea, at least in this initial phase. Instead, the system will include a selection of its own applications, such as Safari, FaceTime, Apple Music, and Apple News, in addition to featuring HomeKit for managing smart home devices. All this information comes at a time when Apple is considering launching a home security camera along with its own line of home automation accessories. One for which we will still have to wait, but it seems that we are beginning to see the centerpiece of the strategy. The launch of this new device in March 2025 could mark the beginning of a new era in Apple's home automation. For now, we will have to wait a little longer, but Apple's entry into our homes is great news. We will be keeping an eye on future rumors to discover more about the company's projects.