Apple may release iPad-like smart home device next year

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch a new iPad-like smart home accessory as early as next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

The device will be based on Apple's homeOS platform and is expected to run apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home, with an interface optimized for controlling smart home devices and displaying useful information.

The new accessory will differ from Apple's existing Apple TV and HomePod, which lack the hardware to support AI models. Apple Intelligence will play a key role in the device, which is described as a "lower-end companion" to a more advanced, robotic home device priced over $1,000.

Rumors have circulated about such a product for some time, with designs resembling a HomePod with a screen or an iPad-like display mounted on a robotic arm. Recent reports suggest the device will feature a squarish display, an A18 chip, a camera for FaceTime, and gesture recognition, potentially launching as early as next spring.