Apple just introduced its latest smart speaker earlier today, but the company’s plans for the smart home are much bigger, a new report reveals. According to the ubiquitous “people with knowledge of the plans,” Apple is working on a bunch of devices that will better compete with Google and Amazon in the space.
The upcoming push will start with a smart display that will essentially be a low-end iPad that you can mount to walls or other locations using “magnetic fasteners.” This will be able to control your smart home products such as thermostats and lights, play videos and also handle FaceTime chats.
Google’s Nest Hub
This device will exist because tabletop and wall-mounted devices like this seem to have become more and more popular, and both Amazon, with the Echo Show, and Google, with its Nest Hub, already have similar products on the market. Apple’s smart display is said to arrive next year.
A “home stand” for current iPads is something Apple may also be considering. Even larger smart home displays have also been discussed internally at Apple, but it doesn’t look like a decision has been made on whether to launch any.
The new Apple HomePod
The Apple TV will reportedly get a faster processor in its next iteration, which is expected to arrive in the first half of next year, with the same design as the current model. A device that combines an Apple TV box with a smart speaker and FaceTime camera is also on the way, but there have been various setbacks for this project – the finished product was originally targeted for release this year, but now it’s unclear when it may come to market.
