TLDR:
- Apple planning to launch wall-mounted smart home display (codename J490) by March 2025
- Device features 6-inch touchscreen, AI capabilities, and smart home controls
- Will run on new OS with Apple Intelligence and traditional Apple apps
- Available in silver/black, requires iPhone for some functions
- Price expected between $100-250 for base model, up to $1000 for premium version
Apple is preparing to enter the smart home display market with a new wall-mounted device, according to multiple reports from Bloomberg News. The device, internally known as J490, is expected to launch as early as March 2025, marking Apple’s latest push into the home automation sector.
The new device features a 6-inch touchscreen display, roughly equivalent to the size of two iPhones placed side by side. Apple plans to offer the device in two color options: silver and black, maintaining their traditional minimalist design approach.
At the heart of this new device is Apple Intelligence, the company’s artificial intelligence platform. The system will allow users to control smart home appliances, manage video calls, and navigate apps through voice commands. This integration includes compatibility with Siri and a new feature called “App Intents,” which enables AI-powered control of applications.
The wall-mounted display will run on a new operating system, specifically designed for home automation tasks. Users will have access to familiar Apple applications such as Safari, Apple Music, Notes, and Calendar, making it a versatile hub for daily activities.
One notable feature is the device’s proximity sensing capability, which allows it to detect when users are nearby. This functionality could enable more intuitive interactions and automated responses based on user presence.
While the device will function independently, reports indicate that some features will require an iPhone connection. This approach aligns with Apple’s strategy of creating an interconnected ecosystem of devices and services.
The pricing strategy appears to be competitive with existing market offerings. The base model is expected to be priced between $100 and $250, positioning it directly against Amazon’s Echo Hub and Google’s Nest Hub. However, Apple is also developing a premium version that could cost up to $1,000.
This higher-end model reportedly includes additional features, though specific details remain unclear. Some reports suggest Apple is working on a version with a robotic arm that can follow users around a room, potentially justifying the higher price point.
The device represents Apple’s response to growing competition in the smart home market. Amazon and Google have already established strong positions with their respective Echo and Nest product lines, leaving Apple to play catch-up in this rapidly expanding sector.
In terms of physical design, the device resembles a square iPad and is intended to be mounted on walls. This form factor suggests Apple is envisioning the device as a permanent fixture in users’ homes, rather than a portable tablet.
The device will serve as a “command center for the home,” offering centralized control over various smart home functions. This includes the ability to manage connected appliances, lighting systems, and other smart home devices through a single interface.
Apple’s focus on AI integration suggests the device will offer more sophisticated automation capabilities than current smart displays. The inclusion of Apple Intelligence indicates potential for advanced features like predictive controls and automated routines.
The timing of the launch appears strategic, with a planned announcement in early 2025. This timeline could allow Apple to refine its AI capabilities and ensure smooth integration with existing smart home standards.
Apple has not officially confirmed these details, and when contacted by Reuters, the company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The information comes from sources familiar with the project, as reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
The latest reports indicate that product development is progressing, with the device expected to undergo final testing phases before its anticipated March 2025 launch date.
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