Mark Gurman: Apple may release a 7-inch smart hub this year
Apple seems to be preparing a new smart hub with a 7-inch screen, which is due out in 2025. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, this device will be an important novelty for the company and will open a new stage of development in the field of smart home technology.
Here's What We Know
Gurman noted that the new hub will be similar to a smaller and more affordable iPad, which will allow users to control household appliances, make video calls via FaceTime, and perform other tasks. This will also be Apple's first step towards a more active participation in the home smart technology market.
Last month, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said that the new device will have a 6-7-inch screen, an A18 chip and support for Apple Intelligence. The focus will be on smart home capabilities.
Gurman also added that the hub can be installed on a special stand with a speaker or mounted on a wall. The device will run on the new homeOS operating system and will be integrated with Siri, Apple Intelligence, and HomeKit. The hub will also act as a security system, showing video from surveillance cameras, and the built-in camera will allow FaceTime calls.
This product will compete with devices from Google and Amazon, such as the Nest Hub and Echo Show. It is not yet clear whether the HomePod name will be used for this hub, or whether Apple will choose a new brand, such as Apple Home.
Apple is also expected to release a camera for indoor use that will work with this hub.
Source: Bloomberg
