Apple’s New Smart Display Products: What We Know So Far
Apple is diving deeper into the smart home market with not just one, but two new smart display products. According to a report from Mark Gurman, Apple is working on these devices as part of its plan to strengthen its presence in the smart home space. Both products will run on a new operating system called homeOS, which is expected to power future Apple home devices.
Here’s what we know so far about these exciting developments:
A Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Smart Displays
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The High-End Smart Display (Code-named J595):
This is the big one—literally and figuratively! Apple is developing a tabletop device that combines a large iPad-like display with a robotic arm. This innovative design sounds futuristic, as the robotic limb would allow the display to follow you around, perhaps during FaceTime calls or when interacting with home automation apps. While it sounds amazing, it’s expected to be on the pricier side, with a potential price tag of over $1,000. However, this product may not be available until 2026 or 2027. -
The Low-End Smart Display (Code-named J490):
For those looking for a more affordable option, Apple is also working on a low-end smart display designed for simple tasks like using FaceTime and controlling home appliances. This device could be released as early as next year, making it a great option for people who want an Apple smart home hub without breaking the bank. It will run apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home, providing an optimized interface for managing home appliances and checking important information at a glance.
What is homeOS?
Both smart displays will run on homeOS, a new operating system that Apple is building on top of tvOS—the same system that powers Apple TV and HomePods. Apple plans to eventually merge tvOS and homeOS, creating a unified system for all its home devices. This means a more seamless, integrated experience across Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
Features to Expect
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Magnetic Mounting: Apple has been testing prototypes that magnetically attach to walls or sit on a tabletop. Imagine your smart display blending into your home, whether mounted on the wall or sitting neatly on your desk.
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Hand Gesture Control: Rumor has it that the new smart display will support hand gesture recognition from a distance. This means you could control the device without even touching it—just wave your hand to make adjustments or switch between apps.
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Home Control: The lower-end smart display will be perfect for managing smart home appliances, offering an easy interface to control lights, thermostats, and more, all from one convenient spot.
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Personal Requests & Media Playback: In addition to running apps, the HomeAccessory device could handle Personal Requests, play media, and even function as an AirPlay receiver, making it a versatile part of your home setup.
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Customizable Lock Screen: It’s also rumored that the smart display could feature a customizable Lock Screen, allowing you to choose from various clock faces to match your personal style.
When Can We Expect These Devices?
The low-end smart display could arrive as early as next year, making it one of Apple’s first big pushes into the smart home market. Meanwhile, the robotic arm smart display will take a bit longer, with a potential release date between 2026 and 2027. While the high-end device is likely to have a premium price tag, the low-end version could provide an affordable entry point for Apple fans looking to automate their homes.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s push into the smart home market with these new smart displays is exciting, especially with the introduction of homeOS. Whether you're looking for a basic home control hub or a more advanced, futuristic device, there’s something in the works for everyone.
Stay tuned for more details as Apple moves closer to unveiling these new products—2024 could be the year your smart home gets a serious Apple upgrade!
Are you excited about Apple’s rumored smart displays? Let us know which features you’re most looking forward to!
