Apple’s smart home display with AI could arrive in March 2025

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Apple is reportedly developing a new smart home device, a wall-mounted display codenamed J490. This device will integrate AI and Siri for better smart home control.

The news comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, so Apple will likely launch such a device. 

The report says that the device will flaunt a 6-inch touchscreen similar in size to two iPhones side-by-side and features a thick bezel, camera, rechargeable battery, and speakers.

It will be available in black and silver and is designed to function as a central control hub for home automation, communication, and app navigation.

Apple smart home display will seamlessly let you control your smart home

The smart home device will emphasize App Intents, an AI-driven feature to streamline app control and task execution.

It includes proximity sensors that adjust the display’s functionality based on the user’s distance. 

For example, the screen might show the ambient temperature when you’re far away, switching to a thermostat interface as you get closer for easy adjustments.

Additional accessories are reportedly in development, including an indoor security camera/baby monitor, external sensors to detect nearby people, and speaker bases to enhance audio throughout the home. 

The device will run on a new operating system, codenamed Pebble, which appears to be a blend of Apple WatchOS and iPhone’s StandBy mode.

It will also support HomeKit, Apple’s platform for third-party smart home devices, allowing users to control compatible gadgets seamlessly.

Its software will include apps and widgets for displaying information such as weather, stocks, and appointments, as well as a dock for quickly launching favorite apps.

However, Apple may not release an app store for the first iteration of the device. 

The report also mentions that voice control, via Siri and Apple Intelligence, will be the primary mode of interaction with the device.

Users will be able to check calendars and notes, browse the web, and play music. Additionally, the device will be able to act as a digital photo frame, displaying slideshows from a user’s photo library.

The device’s primary focus will be home security. It will display alerts and video feeds like a video doorbell and function as an intercom system for communication with other Apple displays within the home. 

The device may also incorporate Apple’s Handoff feature, allowing users to begin a task on it and continue that task seamlessly on their iPhone. 

Though pricing details remain unconfirmed, it is expected to be priced similarly to competitors like the $150 Amazon Echo Show 8 and $230 Google Nest Hub Max.

The device could be released in March 2025, alongside other smart home devices like a smart camera that Apple is reportedly working on. 

What do you think about this new class of Apple devices? Would you buy one for your smart home? Let’s chat below in the comments, or reach out to us via our Twitter or Facebook.