Big tech companies have already entered the race of artificial intelligence (AI) products to make our homes smarter, but Apple Inc. has only just begun to catch up with the likes of Google, Open AI, NVIDIA, Microsoft or Anthropic.
Now Apple plans to launch a new AI-powered smart home product – a wall-mounted tablet. This AI display will have the ability to control appliances, manage video conferencing and use AI to navigate maps according to Bloomberg.
The wall-mounted display with the code-name J490, is all set to come out as early as March 2025. It has been designed to be positioned “as a command centre for the home.”
The device will feature the tech giant’s new Apple Intelligence AI platform. Users will be able to prompt Siri to control their home appliances.
Siri is Apple's virtual assistant that uses voice recognition and artificial intelligence to answer questions, make recommendations, and perform actions.
While the cost of the product is not known, it is expected to be as much as $1,000 which would vary based on the components used in manufacturing the Apple device.
It seems that the product has been in the development phase for three years now. Meanwhile Tim Cook, Apple Inc. CEO is eager to get the product out making it a priority especially after Alphabet Inc. (Google) and Amazon are already renowned in the smart home market.
Read: Apple’s iPhone 16 is the Tip of the Gen AI Iceberg
What is Apple AI Smart Home Device?
Code named, J490 Apple Inc. is introducing a 6-inch touchscreen wall-mounting smart device powered by AI. It can control home appliances, handle video conferencing, and let AI navigate maps.
Bloomberg says that the device looks like an iPad, about the size of two iPhones next to each other, with a thick edge around the display.
Apple’s AI home device has also been equipped with a camera on the top front, a rechargeable built-in battery and internal speakers.
The device will be offered in two colours, its classic silver and black selections. The product's touch interface resembles a fusion of Apple Watch OS and the iPhone's new StandBy mode.
The product is designed as a command centre for the home which integrates with Apple's existing ecosystem (such as HomeKit, and Siri) and utilises the Apple Intelligence AI platform.
Siri and Apple Intelligence have equipped the model with voice interaction to allow users to communicate easily.
The device will offer features like FaceTime video calls, web browsing, music playing, displaying photos, and controlling home devices such as thermostats, lights, and security cameras.
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, reported Bloomberg.
Apple AI smart home device is essentially an all-in-one electronic item where users can even partake in intercom sessions through Apple’s FaceTime.
The device will feature Apple apps, including ones for web browsing, listening to news updates and playing music.
Additionally, users will have easy access to their Apple notes and calendar while also offering a dynamic photo slideshow feature.
Follow-up Apple Smart Home Device in the works
Followed by the first smart command centre device, Apple is already designing the next version which will boast a robotic limb to move the screen around.
Bloomberg reported that Apple plans to market that technology as a home companion with an AI personality.
Sources told Bloomberg that the higher-end product could be priced at as much as $1,000 depending on the components it uses. The display-only device will be far less than that, approaching the cost of competitors’ products.
Other smart home devices are relatively more affordable with Echo Show 8 costing $150, the Echo Hub is $180 and Nest Hub Max is priced at $230.
Recently it was announced that Apple is partnering with OpenAI to introduce generative AI with ChatGPT to all its devices including iPhones, iPads and Macs. This is expected to come out in December.
Read: What is Apple Intelligence? Here's everything you should know
