Apple is reportedly developing a new kind of display-centric smart home device, which may debut as soon as next year. According to Bloomberg, the tech giant is planning to launch not just one, but two devices aimed at different market segments, signaling the start of a new AI-driven software era.
The first device, codenamed J595, is a premium offering with a large screen reminiscent of an iPad, complete with robotic limbs. The second model, referred to internally as J490, resembles more traditional smart displays—think of a screen mounted on a speaker base—primarily designed to function as a FaceTime device and a control hub for smart home technology.
Unlike the high-tech, ambitious Vision Pro headset, which showcased Apple’s engineering capabilities, the company’s entry into the smart display market is expected to be more modest, initially beginning with the lower-priced J490 model.
While the J490 won’t break new ground—Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub have been offering similar devices for some time—Apple aims to differentiate itself through a robust software ecosystem. This is where Apple’s AI capabilities, referred to as Apple Intelligence, come into play.
According to Bloomberg, “Apple Intelligence tools will be central to both devices, facilitating the incorporation of AI into home environments.” With AI technology at the forefront, Apple plans to rebrand its software, much like how iPadOS was derived from iOS. The software on these upcoming smart home devices may be called homeOS.
The design of these devices appears to prioritize user experience, enabling easy access to essential applications like Calendar, Notes, and Home, which allows users to quickly check important information and monitor the status of connected devices. Furthermore, homeOS is said to be optimized for seamless control of household appliances, enabling users to make adjustments and monitor operations effortlessly.
These forthcoming smart home devices are said to be the result of collaboration between Apple’s AI and hardware engineering teams. Bloomberg indicates that during the prototype phase, there were concepts that included designs for devices that could be mounted on walls using a magnetic system.
Reports also suggest a price tag of approximately $1,000 for one of the models, which is on the higher end. The sophisticated silicon required to support Apple Intelligence technology, combined with a functional screen and audio components, could be contributing factors to this price point.
It will be intriguing to see how Apple markets these devices to smart home enthusiasts and persuades them to invest significantly instead of opting for existing third-party solutions that support the Matter protocol. Perhaps we’ll hear the familiar pitch of “seamless ecosystem integration” once more.
