Apple is developing a new Home accessory intended to serve as a central hub for smart home management. While the Apple TV and HomePod already function as home hubs, and nearly all Apple devices can manage a HomeKit setup, Apple aims to create an all-in-one home management product to streamline control further. This guide gathers all known information about the Apple Home display currently in development.

Design

As reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the screen is expected to resemble an iPad. He characterized it as an inexpensive 'iPad', implying a likeness to the entry-level 10th generation 'iPad'. The device will be lightweight and designed for mobility, allowing users to move it from room to room and connect it to various charging hubs. According to Homekit.Blog, the smart home accessory will feature a "square display" along with a built-in camera optimized for FaceTime. It is said that the camera will be capable of recognizing hand gestures from a distance and differentiating between individuals. The hub will also function as an AirPlay receiver. While specific dimensions are still unknown, there has been no information on what types of chargers Apple might create. A wall-mounted version would offer greater integration into the home environment compared to an iPad and provide a centralized location for everyone to manage HomeKit and Matter-connected devices. Currently, controlling HomeKit and Matter devices requires an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and each individual in the home must be separately invited to a HomeKit setup, posing challenges for guests or for quick access without an Apple device. It is presumed that multiple Home displays will be able to work together across different rooms, akin to the current functionality of the HomePod and Apple TV, while also being portable as needed.

Apps and Apple Intelligence

The display is set to support applications like Calendar, Notes, and Home, featuring an interface designed for optimal smart home device control. A key feature of this smart home accessory will be Apple Intelligence, which is anticipated to eventually complement a robotic device Apple is developing.

Capabilities

This display will not only facilitate smart home control but will also support video streaming and FaceTime calls. It is expected to include a built-in speaker, potentially creating a hybrid device that combines features of both an iPad and a HomePod, a concept that has been rumored before.

Competition

An Apple-created smart home management product with an integrated display would compete against similar offerings from companies such as Facebook, Amazon, and Google. For instance, Facebook has the Meta Portal, which manages Alexa-based products and enables video calls. Amazon’s Echo Show is a smart display featuring a speaker and a 10-inch screen used for controlling smart home devices, watching videos, and making calls. Google’s Nest Hub Max provides streaming, music playback, and management of products integrated into the Google smart home system. With nearly all of Apple’s major competitors releasing devices geared towards smart home management and communication, it’s easy to envision Apple launching a comparable product.

Chip

The forthcoming smart home accessory from Apple is expected to be powered by an A18 chip, enabling it to utilize features of Apple Intelligence.

Launch Date

Apple's anticipated iPad-like smart home accessory might be launched as soon as 2025.