After years of rumors, delays, and anticipation, Apple is reportedly close to launching its smart display. This device could finally bring Apple’s unique approach to the smart home market, which has long been dominated by Amazon and Google.
Widgets as the Core Feature
- Widgets are expected to play a central role, offering quick access to information such as weather, parcel tracking, and more.
- Apple’s experience with widgets on iOS and macOS could be leveraged, allowing users to see iPhone widgets directly on the smart display.
- Even without an App Store at launch, the display could show a wide variety of interactive widgets thanks to Apple’s ecosystem.
Siri and Apple Intelligence
- The new display will likely feature a major Siri upgrade powered by Apple Intelligence, including deeper integration with on-device data and support for ChatGPT.
- Apple Intelligence could summarize notifications, describe motion detected by cameras, and provide personalized responses.
- App intents will allow Siri to perform actions in apps without requiring full app installations, making it more flexible and user-friendly.
Smart Home Integration
- The device is rumored to run a new operating system, homeOS, based on tvOS, and act as a Matter hub and Thread border router.
- It will support Matter 1.5, allowing for integration with smart home cameras and other devices.
- Apple’s N1 wireless chip will enable Thread networking for reliable, low-power smart home connectivity.
Hardware and Design
- The display may be available in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, with a design inspired by the iMac G4 and built-in speakers.
- It could feature a 6–7 inch square display, thick bezels, and a front-facing camera for FaceTime and gesture recognition.
- The display will likely act as a smart home command center, offering seamless control over lights, locks, cameras, and appliances.
Additional Features
- The interface may borrow recent UI changes from Apple TV, such as dynamic screensavers and an enhanced Control Center.
- Multi-user support and personalized actions could make the display useful for families.
- Live camera feeds, smart home automations, and AirPlay streaming are expected to be supported.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s smart display could offer a more capable and privacy-focused alternative to existing smart home devices. While a spring 2026 release is rumored, delays are still possible as Apple continues to refine its technology.
