Apple’s Rumored Smart Display: A New Smart Home Experience Could Be Coming Soon

It looks like Apple is getting ready to make another big move in the smart home space, and it all starts with a rumored smart display that could be released as soon as next year. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the display will run on a new operating system called homeOS, which is based on tvOS—the same software that powers Apple TV and HomePods.

This new smart display promises to be more than just a screen. Apple is reportedly testing prototypes that come with magnets for easy wall-mounting, and it’s expected to run popular Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home. Even more exciting? The display will support Apple Intelligence, which is something current HomePods don’t offer. That could mean more advanced voice commands and AI-driven features that make managing your home even easier.

What Could This Smart Display Look Like?

Rumors of an Apple smart display have been floating around for a while now, with various ideas ranging from a HomePod with a screen to a display attached to a robotic arm that swivels during video calls. However, it sounds like Apple might be focusing on a more down-to-earth version—something simple, useful, and likely more affordable.

There’s also talk of a “HomeAccessory” device that’s square-shaped and may even allow you to control it with hand gestures from afar. That feature sounds like a fun, futuristic way to interact with your smart home, and it could be a game-changer for hands-free control. According to 9to5Mac, this could be part of Apple’s push to integrate more gesture-based technology into their smart home devices.

homeOS: A New Chapter for Apple’s Smart Home

The fact that this rumored display will run on homeOS is a big deal. Currently, HomePods rely on tvOS, but homeOS could be tailored specifically for smart home devices, offering a more seamless experience for users. With homeOS, you could see better integration with Apple’s ecosystem, making it easier to control everything from your lighting and security to your calendar and daily tasks, all from one central hub.

Code references to homeOS have already been spotted, and as MacRumors pointed out, this operating system could be the backbone of Apple’s smart home strategy going forward.

How Does This Compare to Current Smart Home Setups?

If you’ve ever tried using an iPad as a dedicated smart home controller, you’ve probably found that it’s not the smoothest experience (trust me, I’ve been there!). This new smart display could be a much more intuitive and practical solution, especially if it’s designed specifically for the smart home. It would likely be less fiddly and hopefully less expensive than repurposing an iPad for the job.

When Can We Expect It?

While nothing is set in stone just yet, the fact that we’re seeing more detailed rumors about this device suggests that it could be announced soon. If Apple sticks to its typical release cycle, we might even hear about it in 2024.

Final Thoughts

A dedicated Apple smart display with homeOS could be just what the smart home market needs—especially for those of us already deep in the Apple ecosystem. With features like Apple Intelligence, a possible wall-mounted design, and integration with apps like Calendar and Notes, this display has the potential to become the ultimate smart home hub.

Are you excited about the possibility of an Apple smart display? Let us know how you think it could change your smart home setup!