The hub may run on a new operating system, homeOS, combining watchOS and iPhone StandBy Mode.
It will offer touch and voice controls for managing smart devices, calls, and daily tasks.
A high-end version (J595) with a robotic arm is expected to launch globally within two years.
Following a slew of rumours about the iPhone 17 series, new leaks indicate that Apple is working on a brand-new smart home hub. This comes after Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple wants to expand its product line and is working on a new device codenamed J490. It is said to have a 7-inch tablet-style display, a built-in camera, internal speakers, and a battery for versatile home placement. The report also stated that it could be powered by Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features. If the reports are accurate, Apple will finally enter the smart home market, which is currently dominated by Amazon Echo and Google Nest.
The report also stated that the new smart home hub will combine software elements from watchOS and iPhone StandBy Mode and could be the debut device for homeOS, Apple’s rumored new smart home operating system. The device will be able to function as a wall mounted smart display which also offers touch and voice controls that can manage smart home devices, calendar events, weather updates, video calls and so much more.
Also read: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G price drops by Rs 34,969 on Amazon
The company has not acknowledged the product at the moment but is also working on the more advanced version—codenamed J595. This device reportedly has a robotic arm that can move across a surface. If the reports are believed to be true, this high-end version is said to make its global debut in the next two years.
It’s now clear that Apple is planning to step into the home category, especially after adopting the Matter standard to improve compatibility with third-party IoT devices. This could be a move to catch up with competitors such as OpenAI, which has previously collaborated with Jony Ivy, a veteran Apple designer, to launch AI hardware products with the goal of making AI accessible to all.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
