Apple is reportedly making significant strides in the smart home market with plans to launch two new smart displays in 2025. According to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter, these upcoming devices are set to revolutionize Apple’s home automation ecosystem, featuring Apple Intelligence and powered by a new operating system known as homeOS. This new OS will likely be based on tvOS and marks a shift in Apple’s strategy, targeting competitors like Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub, both of which currently dominate the smart display market.

The first device, codenamed J490, is designed to be a lower-end model. Its primary use will revolve around FaceTime calls, smart home controls, and running apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home. With a squarish display, an A18 chip, and a built-in camera for video conferencing, the J490 will also include the ability to recognize gestures, offering users a hands-free experience. While details on the exact design are scarce, it’s speculated that this smart display could also offer wall-mounting options with the help of magnets, adding to its versatility in a smart home setup.

Both of the new products are considered collaborations between Apple’s artificial intelligence and home device hardware engineering groups. The low-end smart display is designed to run apps like Calendar, Notes and Home, and will include an interface optimized for controlling home appliances and quickly seeing information. When developing prototypes, Apple imagined the device magnetically attaching to walls or sitting atop a desk.

The second model, codenamed J595, is a premium offering that sets itself apart with a robotic arm capable of tracking users during video calls, making it a compelling choice for those seeking high-end videoconferencing options. Priced at over $1,000, the J595 is expected to perform a wide range of tasks, from video conferencing to home automation, all with seamless AI integration powered by Apple Intelligence. This local AI processing feature will distinguish Apple’s smart displays from competitors by offering faster and more secure interactions.

Both models highlight Apple’s growing focus on creating a cohesive ecosystem with homeOS, unifying the the tech giant’s entertainment and home automation platforms.

(via Bloomberg)

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