For the past year, reports have made it clear that Apple is planning to release its own line of devices for smart home and home security. The only question is when.
With Apple’s big “awe-dropping” fall event only days away, it’s time to start hoping. On Sept. 9, we’ll see the new iPhone 17, a new Apple Watch and probably new AirPods, too. But Apple may also make a surprise announcement about a security camera, smart display and more home tech.
Could it be too early for the rumors to come true? Yes. But if Apple doesn’t want to wait until next year, here’s what they could unveil now.
Tabletop Apple robot
How do you create something completely new for the smart home space? The rumor is Apple’s tabletop robot, a smart 7-inch screen mounted to a swiveling arm that can move to face various people sitting around in a living room, kitchen, office or other space. It sounds a bit like Amazon’s swiveling Echo Show 10 (currently discontinued as Amazon appears to be working on an updated model), albeit with an Apple focus on FaceTime for video chats.
The “robot” part is largely due to Bubbles, a code name for an updated version of Siri. Apple has been working on several different versions of Siri with more conversational AI features. For the tabletop display, Siri would gain the ability to hold conversations with multiple people at once, and a first-ever animated icon to give Siri a “face” to use in conversations.
These new versions of Siri seem to be central to Apple’s smart home plans, but I’m not sure if they’ll see the light of day now that Apple is working on empowering Siri with Google Gemini AI.
The robot is ambitious and unlikely to appear at Apple’s fall event. Swiveling smart displays are a tough sell, not to mention mechanical arms, which make displays far more fragile, difficult to use and potentially intrusive.
Apple smart display
If Apple wants to make a big smart home splash while staying relatively safe and showing off its display prowess (two things Apple loves to do), the fall event may include a smart display.
The 7-inch smart display would include many features of the robot, including the bubblier version of Siri, but would stay in one place like most smart displays.
Rumors say Apple is focusing on Apple Watch-like widgets and clock faces for such a display, in a new UI labeled Charismatic. Such a screen could serve as a smart alarm clock, home hub or music device, with Siri serving a central role as controller and operator of the display’s various functions.
Apple security camera
With competitors like Amazon’s Ring and Google Nest well-known for their security cameras, it’s no surprise that Apple is considering an entry, as well. According to Bloomberg sources, Apple has been experimenting with a variety of camera designs to create a model (code J450, no snazzy code names here) that can work with the rest of Apple’s smart home.
Rumored specs sound familiar to many security cams I’ve tested, including wireless and battery-powered capabilities, plus facial recognition and motion detection. But there’s no firm word on resolution or outdoor capabilities yet. Apple also wants its camera to connect closely with other smart home devices, such as turning lights on and off using its presence-sensing features.
Apple video doorbell
I’ve heard very little about the possibility of an Apple doorbell, but it fits well with their overall plans. So far, reports only mention that Apple has tested a video doorbell concept. However, it’s one of the easiest entry points into the smart home for buyers and sellers alike, and close competitive brands like Nest split their lines into security cams and video doorbells, as well. So even if Apple isn’t quite ready to launch a doorbell yet, I’d bet it happens around the same time as their security camera or soon afterward.
Read more: Best Indoor Home Security Cameras
I’ll keep you updated on the latest Apple home news, if and when any big announcements hit. For now, take a look at Apple’s competition with my guides to the best smart speakers, best home security cameras and the best security systems.
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