New smart home displays are noticeably smaller. Garman writes that it has an angled, square display atop a small base, “reminiscent of the circular base of the iMac G4 from decades ago.” It could come with speakers and is essentially a HomePod with a screen, which is rumored to be one of Apple’s future smart homes.
Garman didn’t say how much the device would cost, but he has hinted at an “affordable” smart home device with a square display in the past. There are rumors that Apple will release a $1,000 model with a robotic arm that powers the display, but that’s not expected until 2026 at the earliest, he reiterated today. Both devices are expected to run bespoke versions of some Apple apps, such as FaceTime, Calendar, and Notes, and work with Apple Intelligence, which Apple’s current smart home devices don’t support.
I’m on record as saying that I like the look of the iMac G4 (I use it as an external display, after all). And the idea that the rumored robotic display might look appealing, especially considering early Apple ads that made the iMac G4 run like a Pixar lamp. If Apple released an adorable little smart home version of the iMac G4, robot or not, would you be able to keep it on your counter and use timers and YouTube videos while making dinner? It would be hard to say no to that. would be difficult.
