Apple May Launch First iPad-Like Smart Home Accessory Next Year

[MacRumors]

Apple could release an iPad-like smart home accessory based on its homeOS platform as early as next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman reports that the display will run Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home, and will feature an interface "optimized for controlling home appliances and quickly seeing information."

Apple's existing Apple TV and HomePod lineup already offer home hub functionality, but crucially lack the hardware to run AI models. In contrast, Apple Intelligence will be central to the new home accessory, which is actually a "lower-end companion" to a $1,000+ robotic device for the home, writes Gurman.

Similar devices have been rumored for some time. Prototype designs are said to have resembled a HomePod with a screen (magnetically attaching to walls or sitting atop a desk), and an iPad-like display mounted on a robotic arm. Both accessories are said to be collaborations between Apple's AI and home device hardware engineering groups.

Backend code discovered by MacRumors in January suggested that Apple was continuing work on a homeOS platform, as a variant of tvOS. Another code reference finding in June subsequently confirmed the existence of at least one unreleased home accessory.

More recently, 9to5Mac has claimed that the lower-end smart home device features a "squarish display", an A18 chip, and a built-in camera for FaceTime. The device apparently supports AirPlay, is able to identify hand gestures from afar, and can tell one person apart from another for personalized requests‌. 9to5Mac says Apple could release the home product as early as next spring.

Article Link: Apple May Launch First iPad-Like Smart Home Accessory Next Year

 

[gusping]

Which will cost far too much, sell 100 units and be binned shortly thereafter. Apple can’t even get a simple smart speaker to sell well. Focus on that first.

 

[contacos]

Seems a little too late? You can get an Amazon Echo for probably 1/4 of the price for the last 3+ years

 

[Radin.Y]

Which will cost far too much, sell 100 units and be binned shortly thereafter. Apple can’t even get a simple smart speaker to sell well. Focus on that first.

I personally like my minis most of the time, when the command does not involve personal stuff. they do have so much room for improvement.
Mine half the time doesn’t recognize my voice, asks for my name. And when I say my name, it responds with “hello!” 🤦‍♂️

 

[bLackjackj]

Why,..oh why. So just a dumbed down iPad mini on a rotating base? 🤦‍♂️...what happened Apple?

 

[lenningj]

another OS incoming?

 

[Pezimak]

It’s basically an iPad and Apple will charge far too much for it. Amazon grew its smart home devices, Apple is just jumping in both feet first. I do believe there is still no confirmation if any of Apples current smart home speakers will actually run the new Apple AI. I’m going to guess not? They’ll try to make you buy this new device for that instead which I bet will cost from 5 or 600.

 

[iToph]

another useless device. "Hey Siri, turn on the light" "Sorry I can't find a song named turn on the light"

 

[bax2023]

Which will have smaller install base than Vision Pro.

 

[lusty]

...what happened Apple?

That one is simple, the mission went from "make things work" to "Make things subscription".

The iPhone was a success because it did things we all wanted to do. Many of those things are actually harder today because Apple wedged a subscription between us and doing something.

 

[sza]

It sounds like an accessory designed for iPad Pro.

 

[tenthousandthings]

another useless device. "Hey Siri, turn on the light" "Sorry I can't find a song named turn on the light"

 

[DrJR]

Which will cost far too much, sell 100 units and be binned shortly thereafter. Apple can’t even get a simple smart speaker to sell well. Focus on that first.

I bought a $500? Homepod (don't remember price back then, not cheap). It was suddenly a brick 18 months later. It died out of warranty, nothing they can do. Useless. I love Apple but when something fails it is bad. I have a $120 JBL charge for many years now going strong..... I can't talk to it though so I talk to my diary.

 

[DrJR]

If it doesn't start with 128Gb storage and 8Gb RAM, I don't want it.

 

[SanderEvers]

Why make an entire new device category, if you can just use existing iPads. For example an older model. To do exactly the same thing?

 

[msackey]

It’s basically an iPad and Apple will charge far too much for it. Amazon grew its smart home devices, Apple is just jumping in both feet first. I do be,I’ve there is still no confirmation if any of Apples current smart home speakers will actually run the new Apple AI. I’m going to guess not? They’ll try to make you buy this new device for that instead which I bet will cost from 5 or 600.

Yeah, I don’t get the purpose of that device. An iPad Mini could serve well for this. Why the need for a new product line? Seems kinda stupid.

 

[klasma]

another OS incoming?

Apple can't allow devices to be general-purpose! How else can they sell the maximum number of devices to each person?

 

[klasma]

Why make an entire new device category, if you can just use existing iPads. For example an older model. To do exactly the same thing?

To do less things, I would presume.

 

[StoneJack]

I get Apple Car v2.0 vibes hearing about Apple robotics.
i am afraid to learn what Apple robot will NOT be able to do if we take Siri is an example. It probably won't remember its own name let alone answer something or do something useful

 

[SanderEvers]

To do less things, I would presume.

It just feels wasteful. And that for a company that says they will be "carbon neutral in 2030".

 

[klasma]

Which will have smaller install base than Vision Pro.

But it will be a rotating base!

 

[klasma]

That's "lights", not "light". Stupid Siri.

 

[ralph_sws]

I think apple is preparing something else, we will be surprised. that's for sure. apple watch 9 and 10 was also supposed to look different 😉 I no longer have any confidence in these leakers, it is easier to predict a larger screen in the iphone because there is a whole list of suppliers and it is easy to leak information about new components. But with new products, apple is always mysterious until they are presented to the world

 

[goobot]

And when it’s overpriced Apple will silently abandon it like AirPods Max

 

[klasma]

It just feels wasteful. And that for a company that says they will be "carbon neutral in 2030".

They will be, but not their customers.