Apple is preparing to introduce its first Apple Intelligence-powered smart home device, and the release could be as soon as March, according to a recent Bloomberg report. This new product, codenamed “J490,” is designed as a wall-mounted smart display that Apple hopes will become a central command hub for modern homes.
With a sleek design and robust integration of Apple Intelligence, HomeKit, and other Apple apps, the device promises to bring a fresh take on smart home management.
A Smart Home Revolution
The wall-mounted display will feature a square, roughly 6-inch screen—about the size of two iPhones placed side by side—with a prominent bezel. Positioned as a smart command center, it aims to provide seamless control over home functions while offering easy access to Apple’s ecosystem. Bloomberg notes the product’s resemblance to a traditional home-security panel but packed with modern AI capabilities.
Designed for versatile use, the smart display will include:
- A top-center camera for FaceTime and security functions.
- Rechargeable battery to support portable functionality.
- Built-in speakers for audio playback and interaction with Siri.
- Optional bases equipped with additional speakers, designed for various locations such as kitchens or nightstands.
Adding to its innovation, Apple is reportedly developing external sensors for the device. These sensors could be plugged into nearby wall outlets to detect the number of people present, enabling advanced AI-powered functionality. However, these sensors might not be available at launch.
Seamless User Experience
The device will operate independently but will require an iPhone for initial setup and certain tasks. It supports Apple’s Handoff feature, allowing users to begin a task on the display and continue it on their iPhone. The software, running on a new operating system dubbed “Pebble,” merges elements of iPhone’s StandBy mode and watchOS.
The smart display will automatically adjust its interface based on user proximity. For instance, from a distance, it might show the room’s temperature. As the user moves closer, the screen transitions to detailed controls for the home’s thermostat or other features. A customizable home screen will offer widgets for weather, stock updates, and appointments, while a dock will provide quick access to frequently used apps.
Although Apple considered including an app store for the device, the feature has been shelved for now. Instead, the display will come preloaded with Apple apps such as Safari, FaceTime, and Apple Music, along with HomeKit integration for smart home devices.
A More Affordable Entry Point
Positioned to compete with Amazon’s Echo Show lineup, Apple’s wall-mounted smart display is expected to be priced significantly lower than the company’s premium $1,000 smart home concepts currently in development. These higher-end devices reportedly feature robotic limbs to adjust screen angles dynamically.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman explains, “The hardware was designed around App Intents, a system that lets AI precisely control applications and tasks, which is set to debut in the coming months.”
Expanding the Smart Home Ecosystem
Apple’s focus on smart home technology extends beyond this wall-mounted display. The company has reportedly explored creating its own smart home accessories, including an indoor security camera that could double as a baby monitor, according to recent reports from Ming-Chi Kuo.
This new device reflects Apple’s broader strategy to integrate Apple Intelligence and Siri into more aspects of daily life. By positioning the smart display as a “command center,” Apple is signaling a bold move to redefine how we interact with our homes.
With its launch potentially just months away, this smart home innovation may soon bring Apple’s cutting-edge AI into living rooms around the world. As more details emerge, all eyes will be on Apple’s ability to deliver a product that matches the lofty expectations set by its ambitious vision.
