# Apple’s Upcoming Smart Home Device: A New Chapter in Home Automation
Apple is poised to make a major advancement in the smart home sector with its forthcoming device powered by Apple Intelligence, projected to debut as soon as March 2024. A recent report from *Bloomberg* highlights that this cutting-edge product will be a wall-mounted display, drawing inspiration from classic home security devices, and is intended to function as a centralized hub for home automation.
## The Design and Features of Apple’s Smart Home Display
Codenamed J490, this new gadget will showcase a square display that measures about 6 inches, approximately the size of two iPhones placed side by side. Its design incorporates a robust border around the display, a camera located at the upper center, and integrated speakers, all housed in a sleek finish offered in silver and black. This wall-mounted display is crafted to seamlessly integrate into home settings, akin to traditional security panels.
Beyond its main display, Apple plans to provide bases with supplementary speakers that can be strategically positioned throughout the home, including locations like the kitchen or nightstand. These bases will enrich the audio experience and support more flexible use of the device.
## Advanced Sensing Capabilities
A notable feature of this device is its capacity to detect the number of individuals present nearby. This function depends on external sensors that may be installed in wall sockets, although these accessories could be introduced later or potentially omitted. The device will operate autonomously but will need an iPhone for initial configuration and specific tasks, utilizing Apple’s Handoff feature for a smooth user experience.
## User Interface and Interaction
The user interface of the smart home display is anticipated to merge elements from the iPhone’s StandBy mode and watchOS, but Apple expects that most interactions will be carried out through voice commands with Siri and Apple Intelligence. The device will operate on a new operating system, codenamed Pebble, which will incorporate sensors to modify its features based on user proximity. For example, if a user is several feet away, the display may show the current temperature, while users getting closer would see controls for modifying the thermostat.
Moreover, the customizable home screen will enable users to manage widgets for different applications, including stock tickers, weather updates, and calendar events. A dock for quick access to favorite apps along with a grid layout resembling the iPhone’s home screen will improve usability.
## App Integration and Future Plans
Although there were talks about launching an app store specifically for the device, Apple has opted to concentrate on incorporating its existing apps, such as Safari, FaceTime, Apple Music, and Apple News. The device will also integrate with HomeKit, allowing users to control their smart home devices effortlessly.
In a broader scope, Apple is also looking into developing a premium smart home product featuring a robotic arm to maneuver the screen, estimated to be around $1,000. However, the wall-mounted display will be more budget-friendly, likely positioned against products like Amazon’s Echo Show, which range from under $100 to $250.
## The Role of Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence, revealed at WWDC in June 2023, is a fundamental aspect of this new device. This technology aims to enhance user interaction and manage home applications and tasks with ease. The hardware of the smart home display has been specifically crafted to utilize App Intents, a system enabling AI to handle applications with accuracy.
## Conclusion
Apple’s entry into the smart home marketplace with this wall-mounted display marks a crucial development in the progress of home automation. By fusing advanced AI features, an intuitive interface, and seamless connectivity with existing Apple services, the device is set to transform how users engage with their home environments. As the launch date nears, excitement builds for what could be a pivotal innovation in the smart home arena.
