Image: Amazon
Apple is readying an AI-powered smart home display as soon as March 2025, according to Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman. He says the display will measure in at approximately six inches, and while the device is similar to an iPad, its display will be more square than rectangular like the iPad, it will also sport thick bezels around the edges of the device.
The device will include a built-in rechargeable battery, while also sporting a camera located on the top front of the device that can be used for FaceTime and internal speakers will be available for playing music.
The hub, which will be available in both silver and black, will use a touch interface with an operating system that is said to be a mix between the iPhone’s StandBy mode and watchOS. However, Gurman says the device will be controlled primarily by voice.
Apple Intelligence will be integrated into the device and will be used for accessing apps and controlling smart home products. The system is designed around App Intents, a Siri system that has the ability to control apps and tasks.
A customizable home screen will include widgets to display things like weather forecasts and appointments, photo slideshows, and important Home controls.A dock will be available for launching apps and if you have multiple devices in different rooms you will be able to use the system as an intercom. Security will be a feature of the hub, providing alerts and video footage from compatible smart home cameras.
Builtin sensors will be able to determine when a person is near the device, adjusting its display accordingly. For instance, if no one is near, the display may just show the temperature but switch to a control panel for adjusting a smart thermostat if someone is near the device.
The device will also offer several Apple apps, such as Apple News, Apple Music, Safari web browser, Calendar, Notes, and Photos. However, there will not be a dedicated App Store. Apple is also working on multiple attachments for the device, including a plate for attaching the device to a wall, as well as a base boasting additional speakers.
Apple plans to position the smart display as a “command center,” with the aim of competing with Amazon’s Echo Hub ($150) and Google’s Nest Hub Max ($230). Apple will need to keep the price of its new hub somewhere in that price range if it expect to truly be able to compete.
Apple has plans to release a robotic version of the smart home hub that can move the screen around, Gurman says.