3 weeks ago
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Apple has reportedly been working on a new smart home device following its not-so-successful range of current offerings, trailing Google’s and Amazon’s alternatives. It’s toying with the idea of giving its new smart home device a display that users can navigate for various tasks. In his latest newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the device will resemble the ancient iMac G4 from 2002.
The device’s base will likely still look like the current HomePod with embedded speakers, too, except it will feature a display—almost the size of two iPhones placed side by side—sticking out from its top. The display will allow users to monitor home security cameras, make video calls, check the calendar, and stream media, among other tasks. However, according to Gurman, the primary purpose of the display will be to control various smart home accessories.
The report mentions that Apple will focus on the smart home for the next two years. In addition to the hardware changes, it’s expected to release a new homeOS. The new software will offer iOS apps such as Calendar, Notes, and FaceTime, allowing users to carry out everyday tasks without reaching for their phones. The idea is for consumers to have various units stationed around the house, so all Apple is doing is really filling your space with (even more) screens.
Gurman also mentions another, more premium smart home device that Apple is working on and will likely launch in 2026. This one will retail for around $1,000 and feature a bigger screen controlled by a robotic limb. There isn’t much intel on the retail price for the entry-level smart home device.
Apple is also set to unveil its latest M4-powered computing lineup all this week. The chip was first seen on the latest iPad Pro in May and will now power the recently announced 24-inch iMac, two new Mac Minis, a 16-inch MacBook Pro, and two 14-inch ones. The iMac will sport the entry-level M4 chip, and the Mac Mini will get two versions—one with the M4 and one with the higher-end M4 Pro chip and the 14-inch MacBook Pro might get the base chip, with either the M4 Pro or the M4 Max being reserved for the 16-inch offerings.
There’s also news of the MacBook Airs being refreshed with the M4 chips. Though, we might have to wait until January to March of 2025 to see those. A Mac Studio is also reportedly in the works, but that is going to take even longer.
