Apple is preparing to seriously expand its range of products in the smart home sector. Analysts believe that the first such device will be a smart display, which could be released as early as next year. Bloomberg claims the display will run the new homeOS operating system, based on Apple TV’s tvOS. Experts believe that homeOS will be similar to the software for HomePods.
Apple’s Smart Display will work with apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home and support Apple Intelligence, which Apple’s HomePods currently lack. The company has reportedly already tested prototypes of the smart display with magnets for wall mounting.
Rumors about a similar Apple device have appeared for quite some time, and their alleged form factor ranges from a HomePod with a screen to a robotic display that can track the user’s location during video calls.
Analysts from 9to5Mac and MacRumors consider it more likely that a fairly traditional gadget will appear in a format close to the iPad, which will accept both voice and gesture control.
The display may support iPhone StandBy mode / Image source: The Verge
Although such a proposal is more mundane than the idea of a robotic screen, the likelihood of its release is much higher. Experts believe that the device’s release is not far off. In their opinion, it will be simpler and cheaper than the iPad, which will contribute to the rapid growth of its popularity.