For several months, there have been rumors that Apple is developing a smart home display screen. On Tuesday Eastern Time, well-known Apple whistleblower Mark Gurman revealed that Apple plans to launch a wall mounted monitor in March next year.
It is revealed that this device can control smart home devices, participate in video calls, etc., similar to Amazon's Echo Hub.
It is revealed that this AI wall mounted display has a similar shape to a square iPad, with a size equivalent to two iPhones placed side by side. The screen is about 6 inches, with thick borders on the edges, and there are two colors to choose from: silver and black.
The device has a camera on the top front that can be used for FaceTime, as well as built-in rechargeable batteries and speakers.
The device is expected to also support Siri and Apple Intelligence voice control. It can work independently, but requires an iPhone to complete the initial setup.
On this wall mounted monitor, Apple has designed a customizable home screen with widgets that can be used to display weather and upcoming appointments, photo slides, or important home controls.
Apple plans to create a smart home system?
If the rumors are true, smart displays will be able to centrally control HomeKit compatible lights, sensors, thermostats, and more.
In addition, Apple may also plan to build its smart home ecosystem through more products, as well-known Apple analyst Guo Mingchi revealed that Apple will enter the smart home IP camera market for the first time and is expected to mass produce in 2026.
This camera is designed to seamlessly integrate with other Apple hardware devices through wireless connectivity, with a long-term production target of reaching millions of units annually.
Guo also revealed that GoerTek has obtained NPI and will become the exclusive assembly supplier.
Wall mounted monitor may cost up to $1000
According to reports, Apple has designed multiple bases for this smart display so that it can be hung on a wall or placed on a countertop with an additional speaker stand, and run a new operating system that "looks like a hybrid of the Apple Watch operating system and the recently launched standby mode of the iPhone.
According to reports, the display will use sensors to detect the distance between a person and the screen, and adjust the displayed content based on the person's distance. For example, when there is no one nearby, it may display the temperature, but when someone approaches, it can switch to the interface for adjusting the thermostat,
It is rumored that Apple's display also supports the company's Handoff feature, which allows users to continue performing tasks on different devices.
According to the report, the high-end version of this wall mounted device may cost up to $1000 depending on the components used.