Apple is planning to step into the smart home industry with its new product that will connect to all existing accessories that support Apple’s standards. According to a new report, the company is working to launch an AI-powered smart home display as soon as March 2025, and the all-new device will be a wall-mounted display measuring six inches. The analyst shared additional details related to the product and the operating system features.
Apple’s AI-powered ‘Command Center’ device to launch in March, possibly alongside the M4 MacBook Air models
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg claims that Apple will launch its smart home display with Apple Intelligence in March of next year, bringing a control hub for all compatible devices. We currently have existing products in the market that control different accessories like thermostats, lights, and more, but none are powered by AI or have Apple standard goodness packed into them.
Regarding design, Gurman states that the device will be a “command center” for all devices with a six-inch display, similar to the iPad. The device will also have bezels all around the display, which we presume will be thicker than the iPad Pro models. In addition to this, it will also house a camera on top for FaceTime and built-in speakers for playing music. It will also feature a rechargeable battery, meaning the device will not be permanently mounted on the wall but as a remote for everything.
As for the user interface and software, Gurman states that the device will feature an operating system with design cues from the iPhone’s StandBy mode and watchOS. Users will be able to maneuver the device using their voice as the primary control method, but it will feature touch input. Siri with Apple Intelligence will take better advantage of the apps and tasks on the device, allowing it to have deeper integration with devices and controls.
The analyst also notes that the company has designed a dedicated Home screen for weather, other widgets, and appointments. It will also feature a slideshow option or more basic home-centric controls. Apple will also offer a software-based dock for different apps where the device could be used as an intercom. The company also plans to focus on technology where the device will integrate with various cameras across your house for video feed.
As mentioned earlier, Apple plans to position the device as a command center for all accessories, and the device will also have built-in sensors for measuring temperature and people as well as who stands in front of it, changing the device’s interface depending on the situation. The device will also include apps such as Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, and Photos, but there will not be a dedicated App Store, especially in the initial variants of the device.
Apple’s command center device is speculated to launch in the first quarter of next year, potentially alongside the new MacBook Air models and upgraded iPad Air. We will keep you posted at the latest, so be sure to stick around.
