Apple Intends to Embrace Retro Style in its Upcoming Smart Home Display
Apple Intends to Embrace Retro Style in its Upcoming Smart Home Display
Apple has allegedly been developing a new smart home gadget, struggling to keep up with the success of Google's and Amazon's alternatives. The company is considering integrating a display into this device, enabling users to perform various tasks. As per the latest information from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the device is likely to resemble the 2002 iMac G4 in design.
The device's bottom section will retain the aesthetics of the current HomePod, featuring embedded speakers. However, the notable addition will be a display, equivalent to placing two iPhone screens side by side, protruding from the top. This display will facilitate monitoring home security cameras, video calls, calendar checking, and media streaming, among other functions. However, Gurman specifies that the primary purpose of the display is to manage various smart home accessories.
The source indicates that Apple will concentrate on smart home technology for the subsequent two years. Together with hardware modifications, it is anticipated to roll out a new homeOS. This software is expected to offer iOS applications such as Calendar, Notes, and FaceTime, allowing users to complete daily tasks without needing their phones. The vision is to have multiple units scattered throughout the house, consequently filling up your space with (even more) screens.
Gurman also hints at a more costly, premium smart home device that Apple is working on and may launch in 2026. This model is expected to retail around $1,000 and include a larger screen managed by a robotic limb. Regrettably, there is limited information available regarding the pricing of the entry-level smart home device.
Lastly, Apple is set to reveal its latest M4-powered computer lineup during this week. The chip made its debut on the May iPad Pro and will now power the recently launched 24-inch iMac, two new Mac Minis, a 16-inch MacBook Pro, and two 14-inch versions. The iMac will feature the entry-level M4 chip, while the Mac Mini will get two options—one with the M4 and another with the M4 Pro chip, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro may come with the base chip, with M4 Pro or M4 Max reserved for the 16-inch models.
The MacBook Airs are reportedly slated for an update with the M4 chips. However, we might have to wait until January-March 2025 to witness these updates. Lastly, a Mac Studio is rumored to be in the works, although its release might take even longer.
The upcoming homeOS from Apple is expected to incorporate iOS applications for seamless daily usage, hinting at a future where smart homes are heavily reliant on screens. Additionally, Apple is reportedly developing a premium smart home device, scheduled for release in 2026, which will feature a larger screen controlled by a robotic limb and a hefty price tag of $1,000.