Apple is gearing up to launch a new smart home device with a display, codenamed J490, in Spring 2025. This device, internally called "HomeAccessory," will be powered by the A18 chip, enabling full Apple Intelligence and the latest Siri functionalities, unlike current HomePods that rely on Apple Watch chipsets. Check out other Apple Products.
The HomeAccessory will sport a unique square display, roughly 6 inches diagonally – about the size of two iPhones side-by-side – with a thick bezel. It will include a camera for FaceTime and video conferencing, a feature absent in some competing smart home displays. Apple is also exploring external sensors to detect the number of people present, potentially through wall outlets, though this feature may be delayed or cancelled.
Available in silver and black, the device is envisioned as an iPad-like smart display, possibly with magnetic wall mounting and an optional iMac G4-inspired stand. It will run on "homeOS," likely based on tvOS, featuring a customizable home screen with widgets, a dock, and an app grid similar to an iPhone's StandBy mode.
This new product marks Apple's entry into standalone smart home displays, offering a potentially cheaper alternative to using an iPad for home control. For those interested in discontinued Apple products, see Deals on Discontinued Apple Products. While the future of Google's Pixel Tablet remains uncertain, Apple's new device could be a game-changer in the smart home market. Read more about the Pixel Tablet's uncertain future.