Apple's new Home device: 6-inch screen, square, no App Store
According to a report by Bloomberg, the new device can only be loaded with software by Apple. A base with a (better) speaker is also planned.
Home app (here in iOS 16): Blown up to an entire device?
(Image: Apple)
New details about Apple's next suspected product category: the "home device" could be launched on the market as early as the beginning of 2025. As the financial news agency Bloomberg wrote at the weekend, it is said to be a command center for the smart home that will be equipped with a new operating system called homeOS. Although the device will be compatible with hundreds of HomeKit devices from the outset –, including switches, lamps, fans, thermostats and other hardware –, it will reportedly not have its own app store, at least initially. The reason for this is allegedly that the apps for Vision Pro, Apple Watch and Apple TV are also in comparatively low demand.
Safari browser and 6-inch display
However, Apple will install numerous important core apps, including Notes, Calendar and the Safari browser. The interface should be similar to the iPhone's standby mode. Bloomberg also writes that the square display will reportedly only be "around 6 inches" –, meaning it would be smaller than an iPad mini with its 8.3 inches. Apple will emphasize the AI functions, including the App Intents framework required for Apple Intelligence operation of apps.
Videos by heise
Apple wants to use the device to compete with rivals such as Amazon's Echo Hub or Google's Nest Hub for its own ecosystem –, but it should also be able to control Matter devices. Apple is said to have already laid the first foundations with the improved Control Center in iOS 18. Among other things, the "Home Device" will have a configurable home screen.
Further features in the "Home Device"
Apple is reportedly planning a silver and a black color, as known from the MacBook Pro. There is an integrated camera for FaceTime, speakers and proximity sensors that change the display depending on whether you are standing in front of the device. Apple is also planning its own base for the "Home Device" with an integrated (better) speaker.
The "Home Device" will also display images from linked cameras. The price will be interesting: Apple is apparently planning to sell users several of the devices at once. They could already replicate the experience of such hardware with an entry-level iPad (available from 400 euros from the manufacturer) and a wall mount –, whereby Apple Intelligence would be missing.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(bsc)
