Apple is reportedly planning to land a bunch of new smart home devices in the coming years. In August, some reports hinted that the company is planning to launch an iPad-like smart tabletop device by 2026. Now, a fresh report by Mark Gurman suggests that Apple is also working on an AI-powered smart home wall tablet.
Apple is reportedly planning to launch a new AI-powered wall tablet as early as next March
Gurman, in his report, mentions that the alleged AI wall-mounted tablet will allow controlling smart home devices, attending video calls, and more. The device could sport a roughly 6-inch display and would look like a square iPad. Gurman notes that the tablet is “about the size of two iPhones side by side.”
You can expect to see a built-in camera, a rechargeable battery, internal speakers, and thick edges around the display. Apple reportedly plans to integrate Siri and Apple Intelligence voice support into the alleged AI wall tablet. It’s worth noting that the device is codenamed J490 and could launch as early as next March.
The company has reportedly also designed different attachments for the device. One such allows mounting the device to the walls just like a traditional home security camera. Besides, the device will include bases with extra speakers that users could place on a kitchen counter, tabletop, etc.
The device would run on a new operating system codenamed ‘Pebble’
The report also suggests that the screen device will run on a new operating system codenamed Pebble. Gurman adds that the new operating system “looks like a blend of the Apple Watch operating system and the iPhone’s recently launched StandBy mode.” That’s not all, the device has some sensors that determine the person’s distance from the screen. It would then allow the device to automatically adjust its features accordingly.
The upcoming device will serve as a hub to control HomeKit-compatible smart home devices. Here it is important to mention Ming-Chi Kuo’s recent report hints that Apple is planning to mass-produce a smart home camera in 2026. So, it’s safe to assume that the tech giant may have plans to build a smart home ecosystem.
The new operating system reportedly also includes a customizable home screen with widgets for “checking stock tickers, the weather and appointments.” Gurman further mentions that the new smart home tablet will be available in silver and black color options. All in all, Apple plans to launch this device as a direct rival to existing smart home displays including Amazon’s Echo Hub, Echo Show, and Google’s Nest Hub.