It has been rumored for some time that Apple wants to expand their Smart Home platform. Not only with specific software with homeOS, but also with products. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, we can expect a dedicated 6-inch screen for your smart home next year.
This would be a HomePod with a large display, which can be compared to the Google Nest hub. The smart screen should become the central place for your smart home within the Apple ecosystem. The screen provides access to the Home app for operating smart devices, but also various apps.
Apple’s Smart Home screen
The rumor that Apple is working on a smart speaker with a larger interactive screen has been around for several years, but according to Mark Gurman it appears that Apple will soon bring this new product to the market. According to him, we can expect the smart screen with speakers in the spring of 2025.
Apple uses the code name J490 for this product and provides access to the Home app for controlling smart devices. The remaining choice of apps is limited, including the Calendar app with reminders, Notes, FaceTime, clock with alarm function and a limited number of third-party apps.
The smart home hub has been in development for more than three years and Tim Cook has now pushed for the device to be prioritized.
6-inch display
The six-inch multi-touch screen resembles an iPad and is about the size of two iPhones side by side. Unlike an iPad, the display is more square and has thick edges. This includes, among other things, a camera for FaceTime.
Built-in sensors
Built-in sensors can determine how close someone is to the device. Based on this, the screen can adjust functions, something the Google Nest hub also does. As soon as someone approaches the screen, the display can provide more information than when someone is standing far away. For example, a clock is displayed at a far distance and as you get closer the various widgets appear.
Central place for your smart home
A central location for your smart home will likely be the goal of Apple’s smart hub. From the device you can easily control your smart devices and manage the security of your home. You may also be able to immediately view your Matter or HomeKit cameras.
The smart screen will be a standalone product, but it is intended to work with other Apple products. An iPhone is also required for installation of the product. Something that is also the case with the HomePod.
On the wall or on the table
The screen should become the central place in your smart Apple home and Apple will release various confirmations for this. Bloomberg talks about a plate to attach the screen to the wall or a pedestal with extra speakers for the table.
homeOS
For some time now, sources have reported that Apple has plans to introduce homeOS in the near future. A new smart software platform especially for smart devices. This would be a welcome addition for the smart hub, as different Apple products can communicate with each other via the software.
Customizable home screen
According to Mark Gurman, the operating system of Apple’s smart display looks like a mix of the iPhone’s standby mode and watchOS, but the idea is that you can mainly control the smart display with voice.
Bloomberg reports that Apple’s screen will have a customizable home screen with widgets for weather, calendar appointments or shortcuts to the Home app. There is also a Dock to quickly launch apps. You can also view warnings and camera images from connected Smart Home cameras.
AI, Siri and video calling
In addition, Siri and Apple Intelligence will play an important role on this device. You can ask the assistant for help with daily tasks, but also answer personal requests.
In addition, video calling using FaceTime will also be possible. Thanks to the integrated camera, you can easily make FaceTime calls from the smart hub with speaker, useful when you are cooking.
High quality speaker
Are you using the smart screen with Apple’s pedestal. Then the sound quality will be drastically improved. Apple’s smart display pedestal will include a high-quality speaker.
This allows you to think of it more as a HomePod with an interactive screen, rather than a smart display that also happens to have speakers. For example, the Google Nest hub has built-in speakers, but they perform significantly less than the HomePod mini.
Availability Apple Smart Hub
Apple’s 6-inch display with speakers is expected in 2025 and will be available in silver and black, according to Bloomberg. It is currently unknown how expensive the display will be. Similar products have a suggested retail price between €99 and €249.
