Apple may soon be releasing its own smart home display, with rumors circulating for months about this device’s potential design and features. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the display will function as a hub for smart home control, enabling users to adjust connected devices, attend video calls, and more. This smart display is said to operate independently once set up, though it requires an iPhone for the initial configuration, drawing comparisons to the Amazon Echo Hub’s design and functionality.
Expected to be available as early as next March, the smart display reportedly features a six-inch screen with thick bezels, a built-in camera, speakers, and a rechargeable battery. The design resembles a smaller iPad but is specifically intended for managing Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. According to Gurman, voice commands via Siri and Apple Intelligence will offer users convenient, hands-free control of various connected devices. The display could serve as a command center for compatible HomeKit devices such as lights, security cameras, sensors, and thermostats, allowing users to monitor and control their home environment from a single interface.
Apple seems committed to expanding its presence in the smart home market, with supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggesting that Apple plans to release a smart home camera in 2026. This addition could enhance Apple’s smart home ecosystem, integrating well with the rumored smart display to provide a more comprehensive and cohesive setup for users. By broadening its product line to include home monitoring devices, Apple aims to establish itself as a serious contender in the connected home space, competing with brands like Amazon and Google that have long had an established foothold.
According to reports, Apple has created multiple options for displaying the device in a home. This includes wall-mounting as well as an option to set it on a countertop or table using a stand that comes with additional speakers. This stand option is reminiscent of Google’s Pixel Tablet dock, which provides enhanced audio and stability for stationary use. The device will reportedly run on a new operating system that combines elements from Apple Watch OS with StandBy mode recently introduced for iPhones. This unique OS blend could make the display more intuitive for users familiar with other Apple devices, allowing a smooth, consistent experience across the Apple ecosystem.
Another feature that sets this smart display apart is its rumored ability to detect proximity. The device’s sensors will reportedly adjust its display content based on how close or far away a person is from the screen, an innovation that enhances user interaction and makes the device feel more responsive and personalized. Additionally, Apple’s Handoff feature is expected to be integrated, enabling users to seamlessly transfer tasks between the smart display and their iPhones or other Apple devices. This functionality is a hallmark of Apple’s ecosystem, allowing users to switch between devices effortlessly.
The device is expected to be released in two color options, silver and black, catering to different interior design preferences. In addition to the base model, Gurman indicates that Apple is working on a premium version featuring a robotic arm. This advanced version would allow the screen to tilt and rotate, providing users with a more flexible viewing experience and further differentiating it from competitors. Though Apple has not confirmed these details, the inclusion of such innovative features suggests Apple’s commitment to offering a unique smart home experience that rivals existing products in the market.
While Apple has not yet commented on these reports, anticipation is building around the potential impact of this smart display on the smart home market. By integrating the device with its robust ecosystem, Apple could offer users a seamless, interconnected experience that aligns with the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation. If these features come to fruition, Apple’s smart home display could serve as a catalyst for a more cohesive and user-friendly approach to home automation, allowing users to manage their environments with a device that complements their existing Apple products.