Apple is close to launching a new product category: a wall-mounted display that can control appliances, handle videoconferencing and use AI to navigate apps, according to a report in Bloomberg. The 6in iPad-like device, code-named J490, could appear on the market as early as March, 2025.
The device can easily be mounted on walls, tabletop stands, or robotic arms, the report says. It will be available in silver and black, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says the company is also working on a more expensive version with a robotic arm that can tilt and spin its screen.
The higher-end device could be priced as high as $1,000 depending upon its components, Gurman says, but the display-only device would cost much less.
The device appears to be a response to the successes of rivals in the smart home market, such as Amazon’s Echo Show and Echo Hub smart displays. It will have a 6in display, a built-in camera, rechargeable batteries and speakers, according to Gurman. The intention is to have Siri and Apple Intelligence voice control support as well.
Rumours have been circulating for months about Apple developing such a device. If the Bloomberg report is accurate – and Apple has issued no denial – it should be able to control lights, security cameras, sensors and thermostats from a centralised base. The display will also use sensors to detect when people are close by and adjust its displays accordingly.
