Apple to launch AI-powered, wall-mounted tablet for smart home control

• Apple plans to launch an AI-powered tablet, codenamed Project J490, for smart home devices by March 2025
• The tablet aims to leverage Apple's ecosystem, offering integration with smart home accessories
• The base model could be priced up to $1,000, significantly higher than competitors like Amazon Echo and Google Nest Hub

Apple is boldly moving into the smart home market with its new AI-powered wall-mounted tablet, internally codenamed Project J490. 

According to a recent Bloomberg report, the tech giant plans to unveil this innovative device as early as the first quarter of 2025. 

The upcoming product is expected to serve as a central control hub for smart home devices, marking Apple’s significant push into a market dominated by Amazon and Google.

The new Apple tablet is rumoured to resemble a small, wall-mounted iPad featuring a 6-inch touchscreen that supports voice activation.  

The device is expected to feature advanced natural language processing, task management, and automation capabilities, making it a powerful competitor in the smart home space.

Key features and specifications of Apple’s AI-powered wall-mounted tablet

Here’s what to know about Apple’s upcoming AI-powered wall-mounted tablet:

1. Display and design:

• A 6-inch touchscreen display optimised for wall mounting.
• Available in two colour options: silver and black.
• The high-end model may include a robotic arm, allowing the display to follow users around the room.

2. Operating system – Pebble: 

• The device will run on Pebble's new operating system, combining iOS and Apple Watch OS elements.
• Pebble OS will feature a customisable home screen with widgets displaying helpful information, like weather updates, and a dock for frequently used apps.

3. AI and voice commands: 

• The tablet will primarily rely on voice commands through Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence.
• It will support natural language processing for smooth and intuitive interaction.

4. Camera and communication:

• It has a front-facing camera that supports FaceTime video calls and other communication features.
• Proximity sensors will detect nearby users and adjust the display accordingly.

5. Smart home integration:

• Seamless integration with Apple’s HomeKit allows users to control HomeKit-compatible devices like lights, thermostats, and cameras.
• Support for intercom functionality, enabling users to communicate across Apple devices within the household.

6. Privacy and Security:

• The tablet will emphasise data privacy and security, integrating with iCloud to securely store sensitive information and surveillance footage.
• Real-time security alerts and comprehensive data protection will be key selling points.

Competing in a crowded smart home market

Apple’s new wall-mounted tablet will enter a competitive smart home market dominated by Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest Hub. While Amazon and Google offer devices priced between $100 and $230, Apple’s device is expected to be positioned at the higher end of the market. 

Reports suggest that the base model could cost up to $1,000, with the high-end version featuring a robotic arm potentially priced higher.

Apple’s previous attempt to enter the smart home space, in 2018, with the HomePod, did not meet expectations, primarily due to its high price and limited functionality. 

However, with this new AI-powered display, Apple aims to offer a more comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with its ecosystem of products.

A step ahead with Apple Intelligence 

The integration of Apple Intelligence is expected to set the J490 tablet apart from competitors. This suite of AI-powered tools will enable advanced features like AI-driven app navigation, task automation, and voice-activated control. 

Additionally, Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a range of new smart home accessories, including indoor security cameras that could double as baby monitors, further enhancing the functionality of its smart home ecosystem.

Privacy-centric approach to smart home control

Apple’s strong emphasis on privacy and security will likely be a significant selling point for the J490 tablet. 

With increasing concerns about data breaches and surveillance, Apple’s commitment to protecting user data could give it an edge over Amazon and Google, whose devices have faced scrutiny over privacy issues.

The device is expected to integrate with iCloud to store sensitive data and surveillance footage securely. Additionally, Apple will likely incorporate its privacy features, such as end-to-end encryption, to safeguard user interactions and data.

Price and availability

The base model of Apple’s new AI-powered tablet is rumoured to have a starting price close to $1,000, significantly higher than most smart displays currently on the market. 

A more advanced version featuring a robotic arm may be priced even higher. The device is set to be unveiled in March 2025, just a few months after Apple’s recent updates to the iMac, Mac mini, and MacBook Pro.

Apple’s foray into the smart home market with the J490 AI-powered tablet could mark a turning point for the company in this segment. By leveraging its strong ecosystem, robust AI capabilities, and privacy-centric approach, Apple aims to challenge Amazon and Google's dominance in the space. 

If successful, the new wall-mounted display could open the door to a broader range of Apple-branded smart home devices and accessories, solidifying Apple’s position in the growing market for connected home technology.

Nvidia surpasses Apple as world’s most valuable company, worth $3.53trillion

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nvidia had surpassed Apple as the world’s most valuable company with a market valuation of $3.53 trillion ahead of Apple’s $3.52 trillion.

The feat was driven by increased demand for Nvidia’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) chips and a funding round of $6.6 billion from Open AI, owners of ChatGPT, whose language models are trained by Nvidia’s Graphic Processing Units (GPUs).