A smart home display that is powered by artificial intelligence is going to be released by Apple as early as March 2025, according to Mark Gurman as reported by Bloomberg. In spite of the fact that it is comparable to an iPad, the display will be square rather than rectangular, and it will have substantial bezels around the edges. The display will measure roughly six inches in size. A camera is located at the top front of the device, which allows it to be used for FaceTime. Additionally, there are internal speakers that can be used to play music, and there is a rechargeable battery that is built right in.

Apple will make the hub available in both silver and black, and it will include a user interface that is centered on touch. Despite the fact that it will mostly be managed by voice, the operating system will have the appearance of a combination of the StandBy mode seen on the iPhone and watchOS. The Apple Intelligence system was created around App Intents, which is a Siri system that will be able to handle apps and tasks. Apple intends to incorporate Apple Intelligence for the purpose of accessing apps and controlling smart home goods.

Apple has developed a home screen that can be customized and has widgets that can display a variety of information, including events such as the weather and future appointments, a photo slideshow, or key house controls. For the purpose of launching applications, a software-based dock will be made available, and numerous systems located in different rooms will function as intercom connections. There are also plans for Apple to concentrate on security, which will include the provision of notifications and footage from connected smart home cameras.

Sensors that are included inside the device will be able to discern how close a person is standing to it, and it will then be able to change its features based on that information. It is possible, for instance, that it will display the temperature when there is no one nearby; however, as soon as someone approaches, it will transition to an interface that allows the user to modify the thermostat, similar to how Nest thermostats. There is also the possibility that it might determine the number of people in the vicinity by utilizing external sensors that are plugged into outlets located throughout the house; however, Apple may or may not produce these additional sensors. The tablet will include a number of Apple applications, such as Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, and Photos, in addition to providing smart home controls and FaceTiming capabilities. However, there will not be a separate App Store for the device. There are a variety of accessories that Apple is working on, such as a plate that can be used to connect it to the wall and a base that can be outfitted with more speakers so that it can be used in a central area within the home.

In an effort to strengthen its position in the market for smart homes, Apple intends to market the smart display as a “command center,” with the intention of achieving this goal. Over the course of more than three years, the smart home hub has been in the process of being developed, and Apple CEO Tim Cook has been putting pressure on the technical and design departments within the company to prioritize the gadget. It is intended to function in conjunction with other Apple goods and will require an iPhone in order to be set up. However, it will be a gadget that can be used alone.

Apple is attempting to compete with Amazon and Google, both of which have gadgets that are comparable to the smart home hub that it is releasing. The Echo Hub is available from Amazon, and the Nest Hub Max is available from Google. There is a good chance that Apple will need to set the price of the gadget in a manner that is comparable to that of these devices. The Echo Hub costs $150, while the Nest Hub Max costs $230.

Apple has contemplated the possibility of developing its very own line of smart home accessories, such as an indoor security camera; however, it is not yet apparent whether or not the corporation would actually do so. If Apple’s smart home display is successful, the company might consider entering the accessory market. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst for Apple, stated earlier this week that the company was working on a smart home camera that would have wireless connectivity and a deep integration with Apple Intelligence. Kuo also stated that Apple intended to introduce the gadget in the year 2026.

According to Gurman’s report, Apple intends to introduce in the future a robotic version of the smart home hub that is capable of moving the screen around.

FAQs

What is Apple’s AI-powered Home ‘Command Center’ and how does it work?

The Apple AI-powered Home ‘Command Center’ is expected to be a central hub that integrates Apple’s ecosystem with advanced artificial intelligence to control and manage all smart home devices. It will likely leverage Apple’s existing HomeKit platform, incorporating features such as Siri voice commands, automation routines, and AI-driven suggestions to enhance home management. The Command Center could provide users with more intuitive controls over lighting, security, climate, entertainment, and appliances, adapting to their habits and preferences through machine learning. Essentially, it will serve as a smart assistant for the entire home, learning your lifestyle to optimize energy use, safety, and comfort.

What devices will be compatible with Apple’s AI-powered Command Center?

While exact compatibility details are still unclear, it’s expected that the Apple AI-powered Home Command Center will be compatible with any device that works with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem. This includes a wide range of smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, smart speakers, and more. The integration will likely extend to third-party devices as well, allowing them to be controlled through the Home app or via Siri commands. With AI-driven control, the system may also suggest automations or settings that adapt to your routine and needs.

How will Apple’s AI-powered Command Center impact privacy and security?

Given Apple’s emphasis on privacy, it’s likely that the AI-powered Command Center will include robust security and privacy features. The system would probably rely on local processing (on-device AI) for privacy, meaning personal data would not need to be uploaded to Apple’s servers, unless explicitly required. Apple’s track record with features like end-to-end encryption and privacy transparency will likely extend to this system, giving users control over what data is shared and how it’s used. However, as with any AI-driven technology, there may be concerns about data usage and potential vulnerabilities, so Apple is expected to implement strong encryption and user consent protocols to maintain privacy and security standards.