According to sources, Apple's next-gen smart home device, ‘HomeAccessory’ is AI-ready and could be launched in 2025. The device would feature a square screen and would run on iPhone 16’s A18 chip.
The A18 processor would unlock advanced AI capabilities in association with ‘Apple Intelligence’. This chipset will be able to handle complex operations like AI interaction and customized experiences.
Based on various sources, the HomeAccessory is reported to come with a built-in camera. This allows it to execute FaceTime calls and other video conferencing apps.
The camera is also granted gesture control and user recognition capabilities. Thus, who is using the device would determine how it responds. This result of user-specificity would be akin to the voice recognition of Apple's current HomePod line.
Other notable features include the interchangeable Lock Screen with various clock faces and user interfaces that bear a resemblance to Apple TV updates. The HomeAccessory will serve as a standalone with the capacity to run apps. It can also play media and can serve as an AirPlay receiver that will ultimately integrate the Apple TV and HomePod ecosystems.
Earlier speculations revealed that the device will have an iPad-like design, recent prototypes appear to be more compact and square in display. Nevertheless, according to sources of 9to5Mac, this aspect ratio could still change before its launch day.
Mark Gurman of Bloomberg said that this Apple smart home device would be different from the new tabletop robot that the company is working on. Gurman said that that is a low-end smart display, not a high-end AI and robotics product.
The HomeAccessory is likely to play a significant role and may even take over the space currently occupied by HomePod and Apple TV. This might be the biggest leap for them in a world of connected homes.
Apple’s next-gen smart home device integrates AI and multi-function designs into seamless connectivity with the rest of the company’s ecosystem.