According to a recent report from Bloomberg, Apple is targeting a March release for its inaugural smart home device powered by Apple Intelligence. This device will function as “a wall-mounted display” that echoes the design of traditional home security panels.
Apple envisions this device to act as a “command center for the home,” combining Apple applications, Apple Intelligence capabilities, and integration with HomeKit.
Apple’s Wall-Mounted Smart Home Display Featuring AI
Codenamed J490, as initially reported by DMN in September, this device will showcase a square display approximately 6 inches in size—comparable to two iPhones placed side by side, with a thick border surrounding the screen.
The display is also expected to include a camera positioned at the top center, along with a rechargeable built-in battery and speakers. Designed to be mounted on a wall, it will be available in both silver and black finishes.
Furthermore, Bloomberg mentions that there will be bases with additional speakers that can be positioned in various locations, such as the kitchen, on a nightstand, or on a desk. The company has also been working on a system using external sensors to detect how many people are nearby:
Apple is developing capabilities that allow the home device to sense the number of people in proximity, with the approach relying partly on external sensors that might be installed in nearby wall outlets. However, these accessories might arrive later or be scrapped entirely.
The device will function as a standalone unit, meaning it can operate independently but will require an iPhone for certain tasks, including initial setup. It will also work seamlessly with Apple’s Handoff feature, letting users initiate a function on one device and continue using their iPhone after moving away.
From a software perspective, the user interface will reportedly blend elements from the iPhone’s StandBy mode and watchOS. However, Apple anticipates that Siri and Apple Intelligence features will be the primary means of interaction for users.
This screen device, operating on a new system known as Pebble, will be equipped with sensors to gauge users’ proximity, automatically adjusting its features based on distance. For example, when users are several feet away, it may display the temperature, while approaching users would trigger an interface for thermostat adjustments.
This newly crafted operating system will also feature a customizable home screen, allowing users to display widgets for stock tickers, weather updates, and calendar appointments. Alternatively, they can configure the screen to emphasize essential home controls. Additionally, there will be a dock for quickly launching frequently used applications and an interface resembling the iPhone’s home screen grid of apps.
Reports indicate that Apple had considered introducing an app store for this device but has since shelved that concept for now. Instead, the device will run existing Apple applications such as Safari, FaceTime, Apple Music, and Apple News, while utilizing HomeKit for smart home control.
Apple is also progressing on a higher-end smart home solution featuring a robotic arm for screen mobility, which is expected to be priced at around $1,000. In contrast, this wall-mounted display will be offered at a significantly lower price point, competing with devices like the Amazon Echo Show, which ranges from under $100 to $250.
Apple introduced Apple Intelligence at WWDC in June and began rolling out initial features for iPhone and Mac users last month. However, the company has yet to disclose any plans for Apple Intelligence regarding its HomePod smart speaker.
This wall-mounted display aims to introduce Siri and Apple Intelligence into the home environment through a completely new design.
As stated by Bloomberg, “The hardware was designed around App Intents, a framework that allows AI to manage applications and tasks with precision, which will launch in the upcoming months.”
Lastly, corroborating previous insights from Ming-Chi Kuo, Bloomberg mentions that Apple has “considered creating its own line of smart home accessories, including an indoor security camera that could also function as a baby monitor.”
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