Apple is working on several smart home devices, but the one we’re looking at is an iPad/HomePod hybrid device. The device was previously reported to feature a robotic arm with a display on top and a HomePod attached to the bottom. A prominent analyst has shared additional details about the device, suggesting that the smart home display will be similar to the company’s iconic iMac G4 in terms of design.
Apple plans to launch a smart home display similar to the iMac G4 next year
Garman argues in his latest paper: power on newsletter Apple plans to launch a smart home display next year, but the exact timing is not mentioned at this time. The device is reported to have a hemispherical base with a small square display on top attached via a robotic arm. The display can be mounted at an angle, but it seems like it can be adjusted according to user preference. The overall design of the rumored smart home device is similar to Apple’s iMac G4, which was released nearly 20 years ago.
Analysts claim that the device will be smaller than we previously speculated, and believe its size will be around the size of the larger HomePod. The display will be square and you can see that it is not an iPad-like screen. Garman said the overall form factor is “about the size of two iPhones side by side.”
There’s a reason the company wants to keep it the size of two iPhones, and that’s to save on production costs and ultimately on price. Lower prices would allow users to buy multiple units and place them in different household rooms. Price is an important factor for the company, as it has to penetrate the market with competing existing products that offer the same functionality.
It was previously reported that smart devices similar to Apple’s iMac G4 will be able to run iPad-like apps, including FaceTime for calls, Calendar, Notes, and more. Photos and videos can also be displayed. The display will come with its own speakers, likely located within the base of the device.
It was previously reported that smart home displays would be larger with robotic arms, and that Apple would charge at least $1,000 for such devices if they were adopted. It will be. Garman said the company is working on a similar high-end device with a robotic arm, which he hopes could be released as early as 2026. We will update the details from time to time, so please wait for a while.
