Apple plans to release an inexpensive stationary smart display, the design of which will resemble the iconic iMac G4 all-in-one PC with a distinctive hemispherical base. The display will be equipped with speakers and support for the company’s main applications, including FaceTime, Calendar and Notes.
Apple iMac 4G. Image source: Felix Winkelnkemper / Wikimedia.org
As Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports in his Power On newsletter, the device will feature a small, square display on a base reminiscent of the iMac G4 personal computer released by Apple back in 2002, popularly called because of its design. “Jobs Lamp” The new smart home display will apparently be small in size and equipped with speakers, making it similar to the HomePod but with a screen.
It is not yet known how much the gadget will cost, but Gurman previously hinted that Apple could introduce an “affordable” smart home device with a square display. Also in the future, it is expected to release a low-cost model with a robotic arm, which will be able to unfold the display and move around it based on voice commands and user movements. However, according to Gurman, the “hand” will appear no earlier than 2026. Both devices will likely support Apple Intelligence and dedicated versions of apps such as FaceTime, Calendar and Notes.
Gurman believes that if Apple released a compact smart home device similar to the iconic iMac G4, with or without a robotic arm that could be placed on the kitchen counter to use timers or watch YouTube while cooking dinner, many would be hard-pressed to resist purchase. He himself admitted that the external design of the iMac G4 makes him nostalgic and he definitely won’t be able to say “no” to the gadget.