(Image source from: Smartprix.com)
Apple has been the subject of speculation regarding a significant overhaul of its smart home product lineup, including a new tabletop device equipped with mobility features and a robotic arm for enhanced interactivity. Before launching this anticipated device, the tech giant from Cupertino might release a more affordable variant, omitting certain high-end features in order to attract budget-conscious consumers. A well-informed journalist has suggested that this smart home hub could be unveiled by year’s end, featuring a tablet-style display, an integrated camera, compatibility with Apple Intelligence, and a novel operating system.
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg reports that this smart home hub, codenamed J595, is a key component of Apple’s strategy to enter the AI device market. It is said to have a screen size similar to that of an iPad and a robotic arm that allows it to navigate a user’s workspace. The journalist mentions that Apple intends to build a distinctive AI personality into this device, but the timeline for its market release has faced delays.
Nonetheless, Apple's intentions are still very much alive. The company plans to roll out the lower-end version by the end of the year, known as J490. This device is said to feature a 7-inch display with a shape reminiscent of a square iPad, a camera located at the top, and potentially equipped with internal speakers, a rechargeable battery, and various Apple Intelligence functionalities. According to the journalist, this device may operate as an AI wall tablet, allowing users to interact with it via a touch interface that resembles a blend of watchOS from the Apple Watch and the Standby mode found on iPhones. Moreover, it is expected to introduce a new operating system labeled homeOS.
The launch of the lower-end smart home device this year will be followed by the eventual release of the tabletop smart home device, which is anticipated to arrive within one to two years. In preparation for production, Apple is reportedly scaling back certain features that might be included in future models. Although official information remains limited, the company is aiming to carve out a space in the smart home device market, having previously lost traction to competitors like Amazon with Alexa and Google with Nest.
