Highlight

• Apple plans to release an AI-powered smart display in March 2025.
• It will integrate Siri and Apple Intelligence with a focus on home security and smart control.
• The wall-mounted display will have built-in speakers, a rechargeable battery and a top-centre camera.
• It will most likely be available in silver and black colours.

Apple appears to be serious and eager about turning homes into smart homes with its Apple Intelligence smart home devices.

According to a recent Bloomberg report, the company is aiming for an early March 2025 release of its AI display product that will look like wall-mounted traditional home security displays.

Previously, some reports claimed that Apple is planning on developing an Apple Intelligence-powered smart display that will work as a central system for the home.

It will become the one integrated device for Apple Intelligence, Apple apps and Apple HomeKits.

Here’s everything we know about the upcoming device from previous rumours and leaks.

A 9to5Mac report back in September revealed details of an upcoming Apple product codenamed J490. Bloomberg suggests that this will be a square display of about 6 inches and “about the size of two iPhones side by side, with a thick edge around the display.”

Reports believe the display will come with built-in speakers, a rechargeable battery and a camera at the top centre.

Design-wise, this will be closer to a “classic home-security panel,” available in classic silver and black colour options. Apple reportedly will also be including “bases with additional speakers that can be placed in the kitchen, on a nightstand or on a desk.”

9to5Mac report shares, “Apple also is working on a system that will let the home device sense how many people are nearby. That approach relies in part on external sensors that could be placed in wall outlets in the vicinity of the device, but those accessories may come later or get cancelled altogether.

The product will be a standalone device, meaning it can operate almost entirely on its own. But it will require an iPhone for some tasks, including parts of the initial setup. It will also work with Apple’s Handoff feature, which lets users trigger a function on one device and then continue on their iPhone after walking away.”

Apple reportedly believes that most users will be using either the Apple Intelligence features or Siri to connect with smart home displays.

The user interface and software will most likely be a combination of WatchOS and iPhone’s StandBy mode.

The 9to5Mac report further adds, “The screen device, which runs a new operating system code-named Pebble, will include sensors to determine how close a person is. It will then automatically adjust its features depending on the distance. For example, if users are several feet away, it might show the temperature. As they approach, the interface can switch to a panel for adjusting the home thermostat.

The newly designed operating system will also include a customizable home screen where users can run widgets for checking stock tickers, the weather and appointments.

Or they can configure the screen to highlight key home controls. There will also be a dock for quickly launching favourite apps and an iPhone-like home screen grid of software icons.”

Apple initially considered launching an app store as part of the device but has decided against it for now. Instead, the device will feature built-in Apple apps like Safari, FaceTime, Apple Music and Apple News. This will integrate with HomeKit to control smart home devices.

In addition, Apple is working on a high-end smart home product with a robotic arm to move the screen, priced around $1,000.

This wall-mounted display is expected to be significantly cheaper and comparable to Amazon’s Echo Show products, which typically cost between $100 and $250.

This new wall-mounted display product will integrate Siri and Apple Intelligence into the home in an innovative form factor.

According to Bloomberg, “The hardware was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks, which is set to debut in the coming months.”

Bloomberg also corroborates recent reports from Ming-Chi Kuo, stating that Apple has “explored building its own line of smart home accessories, including an indoor security camera that could double as a baby monitor.”

FAQs

Q1. When is Apple planning to release its AI-powered smart display?

Answer. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Apple is aiming for an early March 2025 release of its AI display product that will look like wall-mounted traditional home security displays.

Q2. What are some of the main features of Apple’s upcoming wall-mounted display?

Answer. Reports believe the display will come with built-in speakers, a rechargeable battery, and a camera at the top centre. Design-wise, this will be closer to a “classic home-security panel,” available in classic silver and black colour options.

Q3. What is unique about the operating system of the new Apple smart display?

Answer. The screen device, which runs a new operating system code-named Pebble, will include sensors to determine how close a person is. It will then automatically adjust its features depending on the distance.

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