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Apple iPad 10th generation, HomePod and HomePod mini
Apple is reportedly planning to make a significant move into the smart home segment with several new devices and a new user interface. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, home hardware should be a top priority for Apple, and the company is developing new devices and software to create an end-to-end experience.
The report states that Apple has implemented an aggressive new strategy for the smart home category, focused on placing screens throughout the home. Currently, the company is developing at least two new devices: a smart display and a high-end robotic tabletop device, both of which will run on a new homeOS operating system.
Apple has already started laying the groundwork by collaborating with competitors such as Google and Amazon to develop the smart home protocol called Matter. This protocol will allow smart home devices and accessories from these companies to be compatible with each other, expanding the ecosystem. Gurman mentioned that the next step for Apple is to develop a new operating system likely called homeOS. The company will likely integrate its Apple Intelligence into the new software, allowing precise control of apps, devices and media. This integration has already started with digital assistant Siri’s new App Intents system, which gives it more in-app control on iPhones.
AI integration would also dictate how new home devices work. For example, the new tabletop robotic device, which will feature an iPad-like screen connected to a robotic limb, will use AI to understand its surroundings. The built-in AI system will allow the device to detect who is looking at the screen, what the user is doing, and who they are talking to, facilitating precise adjustments and responses.
However, Apple is expected to launch the smart display device first. This device will likely be an iPad-like display that can be placed anywhere, allowing users to stream TV+ content, make FaceTime calls, surf the web, and access apps like Calendar and Notes. The tabletop device will likely follow later and will be priced higher than the smart display. It should also offer more features, such as home security monitoring, advanced video conferencing, and higher quality media playback.
First publication: October 14, 2024 | 11:33 a.m. STI
