Apple’s Smart Display Expected to Launch in Early 2025, Resembling a Square iPad

For months now, whispers have been circulating about an upcoming smart home display from Apple. Recently, the typically reliable Bloomberg journalist, Mark Gurman, revealed that this innovative screen could be mounted on walls and utilized as a central hub for smart home devices, much like Amazon’s Echo Hub.

Apple’s Revolutionary Smart Home Hub

According to Gurman, Apple is planning to release this smart home hub in March 2025. The device is expected to feature a square six-inch display bordered by substantial bezels, roughly the size of two iPhones placed side by side. It will reportedly include a built-in camera, speakers, and rechargeable batteries. The new product is anticipated to be available in traditional colors, with silver and black options being the only choices, staying true to Apple’s minimalist aesthetic.

This smart home device is set to run on a unique operating system dubbed “HomeOS”, which will host a range of apps reminiscent of those found on iPads. Users can look forward to applications like FaceTime, Notes, and Calendar among others. Notably, there won’t be a dedicated app store; instead, the user interface is expected to resemble a blend of watchOS and the recently introduced standby feature available with iOS 17.

Intuitive Control with Voice and Touch

Control options for this smart home display will be versatile, allowing users to manage it through touch or voice commands via Siri. Gurman emphasizes that voice interaction is likely to be of primary importance. Additionally, the integration of Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI package, will enhance the device’s functionality. Multiple sensors are also expected to be embedded within the display, enabling it to detect user proximity. Based on how far away users are, the display will adjust its content; for instance, it can show thermostat settings when users are close and only the current temperature from a distance, according to Gurman.

More Than Just a Smart Home Controller

This smart display isn’t just limited to managing smart home functions; it will also support video playback and slideshow presentations. Users can control lights in various rooms and adjust the heating system directly from the device. Additionally, it will be capable of alerting users about who is ringing their doorbell, adding an extra layer of convenience to home monitoring.

Much like Google’s Pixel Tablet, Apple’s smart display can be docked with speakers for an enhanced audio experience. Gurman notes that Apple is developing various mounting options, allowing users to hang the hub on the wall or place it on a table with a stand that includes additional speakers. This provides flexibility in how the device can be incorporated into home environments.

Future Innovations on the Horizon

Interestingly, Apple is reportedly also working on a premium successor to this initial smart home display. This advanced model may feature a robotic arm that allows the screen to rotate, with Apple positioning it as a “home companion with an AI personality.” If these reports hold true, this smart display could be merely the first step in a broader range of Apple products designed for smart home integration. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently suggested that Apple may unveil additional home gadgets starting in 2026, including a smart home IP camera.