Apple Has Worked on Docking Accessory to Turn iPad Into a Smart Home Display

[MacRumors]

Apple has worked on a docking accessory for the iPad that would allow users to transform the device into a smart home display, similar to Google's approach with the Pixel Tablet, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Earlier this year, Google announced that it will offer a charging dock with a speaker that magnetically attaches to the back of the upcoming Pixel Tablet, essentially turning it into a smart home display like the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said that he expects Apple to bring similar functionality to the iPad next year with a docking accessory that will be sold separately, while the company works on a standalone product for the home that combines a display and a smart speaker:

I'm told Apple is working to bring similar functionality to the iPad as soon as 2023. I reported last year that Apple is exploring a stand-alone device that combines an iPad with a speaker hub. The idea is to offer something that users can place on a kitchen counter, in the living room or on their nightstand. But Apple also has worked on an iPad docking accessory that it could sell separately and would accomplish much of the same thing.

A docking accessory could allow the iPad to be used to control their smart home accessories more easily, make FaceTime calls using the iPad's front-facing camera with Center Stage, and more.

Compared to Google and Amazon, Apple has largely stayed out of the smart home market, releasing the HomePod mini in October 2020 before discontinuing the original HomePod in March 2021. A new, full-sized HomePod is one of several products Apple is expected to release in 2023. According to rumors, the new full-sized HomePod will keep the same design as the original smart speaker but feature faster performance and potentially a new display.

Article Link: Apple Has Worked on Docking Accessory to Turn iPad Into a Smart Home Display

 

[utazdevl]

Is it just me, or does that look like the old iMac G4?

 

[DMG35]

Yes please.

 

[brofkand]

Is it just me, or does that look like the old iMac G4?

It’s not just you, Ray Charles can see the resemblance. It’s just a photoshop job…not a photo of an actual product…

 

[UltimateSyn]

This would be sweet! Makes way more sense than a dedicated stationary product, too.

 

[maternidad]

This is a nice idea!

 

[RogerDoger2801]

This could partially explain adding MagSafe to the iPad Pro’s - would be a neat future accessory.

 

[Putzi360]

This would be extremely nice to have around. Love the reminiscence of the iMac G4 which I still treasure and have on display in my study room.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Great mock-up..

Let’s have a 17” iPad while we are at it…
Add a KB and Mouse/Tp and we have a modern iMac G4!

Love it

 

[sarcastic_middleaged_brat]

This will actually be pretty nice as long as it also keeps the iPad charged.

 

[UltimateSyn]

This could partially explain adding MagSafe to the iPad Pro’s - would be a neat future accessory.

That and I think it helps explain the rumored default landscape orientation (for the front-facing camera and Smart Connector) as well.

 

[Canyda]

It would be great if they could make this work with existing models too. I would love to use my iPad Mini this way as a nightstand clock.

 

[ddtmm]

This will actually be pretty nice as long as it also keeps the iPad charged.

Yes, would be great if the magnetic mount is also the wireless charger.

 

[NEV3S]

The new smart connector pins on the iPad makes a lot of sense now.

 

[jazz1]

Apple has worked on a docking accessory for the iPad that would allow customers to transform the device into a smart home display, similar to Google's approach with the Pixel Tablet.

During Google's last event, it announced it would offer a charging speaker dock that magnetically attaches to the back of the upcoming Pixel Tablet, essentially turning it into a smart home display like the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max. Gurman today said that he expects Apple to bring similar functionality to the iPad next year through a docking accessory that would be sold separately, while the company works on a standalone product for the home that combines a display and a smart speaker.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said:
An iPad docking accessory could allow users to use their iPad to control different functions of their home through the Home app, make FaceTime calls using the iPad's front camera with Center Stage, and more.

Compared to Google and Amazon, Apple has maintained a low profile with products for the home, releasing just the HomePod min in October 2020 before discontinuing the original HomePod in March 2021. A new full-sized HomePod is one of several products Apple is expected to release in 2023. According to rumors, the new full-sized HomePod will keep the same design as the original smart speaker but feature faster performance and possibly a new display.

Article Link: Apple Has Worked on Docking Accessory That Would Turn the iPad Into a Smart Home Display

If it happens, I hope it has magnetic charging. Assuming the next generation of iPad offers this.

 

[sarcastic_middleaged_brat]

It would be great if they could make this work with existing models too. I would love to use my iPad Mini this way as a nightstand clock.

I would love this too, unfortunately I doubt Apple will do something like that. They can use this as a way to get people to upgrade and sell more iPads.

 

[cSalmon]

Until iOS lets the user lock out access to certain apps such as Mail, iCloud files, etc.. what good is an iPad left out for all to use? you can keep your mind out of the gutter everyone still has info and access they don't want others fiddling with, would you really want your 7 yr old sending out emails to your contact book?

 

[Caviar_X]

Until iOS lets the user lock out access to certain apps such as Mail, iCloud files, etc.. what good is an iPad left out for all to use? you can keep your mind out of the gutter everyone still has info and access they don't want others fiddling with, would you really want your 7 yr old sending out emails to your contact book?

I’m sure iOS will launch into a “hub” mode that only shows apps that can take advantage of a typical hub device.

 

[JosephAW]

 

[Pezimak]

This will only really work if it only acts as a smart speaker when docked. And Apple better not charge a ridiculous amount of money for a speaker and an arm with magnets on the end. I think a 11” iPad on it though would be too big for the bedside.

 

[Corsig]

The stand will cost almost as much as the iPad

 

[mikethemartian]

For a second there I thought they were bringing back the iMac G4 design.

 

[ponzicoinbro]

Is it just me, or does that look like the old iMac G4?

Needs a disc drive.

 

[CarAnalogy]

Until iOS lets the user lock out access to certain apps such as Mail, iCloud files, etc.. what good is an iPad left out for all to use? you can keep your mind out of the gutter everyone still has info and access they don't want others fiddling with, would you really want your 7 yr old sending out emails to your contact book?

The iPad needed multi user support a hell of a lot more than it needed stage manager. And it would have been easier to implement and maybe even shipped on time. Priorities at Apple are out of whack right now. If it’s not something that shows off easily in a TV ad, they don’t want it.

 

[tomtad]

Shame Google beat them to it