Apple will introduce a wall-mounted tablet with AI for controlling smart homes.

 

Apple is set to launch Project J490, an AI-powered display that will serve as a central control hub for connected home devices. The device, resembling a small iPad, will be equipped with Apple Intelligence's AI tools and services. 

It will feature a 6-inch touchscreen, voice-activated, and support for natural language processing, task management, and automation. The device's success in the smart home market, dominated by Google and Amazon, is uncertain. 

The device's potential to make a mark in the market is uncertain, as Apple has fallen behind in the industry.

The device is expected to feature a camera, built-in speakers, and a rechargeable battery, as well as proximity sensors that detect nearby users. 

It will also have a new operating system called Pebble, which combines elements from iOS and the Apple Watch OS. 

The device will have a customizable home screen with widgets for weather forecasts and a dock for frequently used apps. The Pebble will adjust its display based on the user's distance from the device.

Apple's upcoming smart home device, the Nest Hub, is expected to cost up to $1,000, a significant increase from Amazon and Google's models. This puts Apple in direct competition with Amazon and Google, as the market for smart home devices has grown rapidly. 

Apple is also reportedly aiming to offer a higher-end version with a robotic arm that allows the display to follow users around a room. Apple Intelligence may also be a differentiating factor, allowing users to control HomeKit-compatible devices. 

HomeKit currently supports multiple third-party devices, and reports suggest Apple plans to roll out in-house smart home accessories, such as indoor security cameras that may double as baby monitors.

The new smart home device is expected to enhance data privacy and security, integrating with iCloud for storing sensitive information and surveillance footage. 

It will also support intercom functionality, allowing users to communicate across multiple Apple devices within the same household and receive real-time security alerts.