Apple is preparing to launch a new device that could change the smart home market. The company is working on a “wall-mounted display” that combines AI, home control, and video calls. Set for release as early as March, this device will bring Apple’s vision of a smart home command center to life.
The product, dubbed J490, is a 6-inch screen that resembles a square iPad. It will be equipped with a camera, internal speakers, and a rechargeable battery. The device will allow users to control home appliances, make video calls via FaceTime, and interact with Siri, Apple’s voice assistant.
It will also tap into Apple’s HomeKit framework, enabling users to control thermostats, lights, locks, and more.
The new device will spotlight Apple’s AI platform, Apple Intelligence, which aims to improve the smart home experience. Users will control the device using voice commands or touch, with the AI adjusting the interface based on how close users are.
For example, when further away, it may show the temperature, but as users approach, it will switch to home control options.
Apple plans to offer the device in silver and black, with a price tag competitive to other smart displays on the market. Future versions may include more advanced features like a robotic arm to move the screen and generative AI for tasks like creating images.
This new product is part of Apple’s strategy to catch up with Amazon and Google, which have dominated the smart home space. With a focus on privacy and home security, Apple hopes this device will become a central hub for daily life in homes around the world.
