Apple's Ambitious Smart Home Push: Three New Devices Coming in 2025

Apple is reportedly preparing a significant expansion into the smart home market, with plans to launch at least three new devices in 2025. This marks a departure from their previous approach, which treated smart home technology as more of a side project. The new strategy centers around Apple Intelligence, a platform designed to integrate AI and Siri for enhanced home automation

The Trio of New Apple Smart Home Devices

Multiple sources, including Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and reports from 9to5Mac and SimplyMac, point to the following new devices:

1. Wall-Mounted Smart Display: This is perhaps the most significant announcement. Described as an "iPad-like screen" or "AI wall tablet," this device is expected to feature a 6-inch display, a built-in camera for video calls, and speakers. It will serve as a central control hub for smart home devices, offering a user-friendly interface for managing HomeKit-compatible appliances. The display's functionality will extend beyond smart home control, including access to apps like Calendar, Notes, and Safari. Several sources suggest a March 2025 release date

2. HomePod mini 2: The second device is an updated version of the popular HomePod mini. While specific details are scarce, improvements to sound quality, enhanced Siri capabilities, and potentially new color options are anticipated. The inclusion of Apple's custom-designed Proxima chip for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is also expected, leading to faster data synchronization between Apple devices

3. High-End Smart Home Hub (Potential): Beyond the smart display and HomePod mini 2, there are hints of a more premium smart home device. This device, potentially launching later in 2025, is rumored to cost around $1,000 and focus on home security monitoring, advanced video conferencing, and high-quality audio playback. It might even feature a swiveling robotic arm to position the screen optimally.

Three Pillars of Apple's New Smart Home Strategy

Gurman's reporting highlights three key pillars supporting this new smart home push:

• Apple Intelligence with a heavy Siri focus: Leveraging AI to provide advanced home automation and precise control over apps and devices.
• homeOS: A new software platform built on tvOS, specifically designed for smart home functionalities.
• Broader accessory compatibility: Utilizing Matter to enable compatibility with a wider range of smart home accessories.

Enhanced Siri Capabilities

A crucial aspect of this strategy is the significant upgrade to Siri's capabilities. The new "App Intents" system will allow Siri to perform hundreds of new app actions, potentially enabling users to control various aspects of their smart home and Apple devices through voice commands alone.

Conclusion

Apple's planned smart home devices represent a significant investment in this growing market. The combination of a central control hub (the smart display), an updated smart speaker (HomePod mini 2), and a potential high-end device promises a more integrated and powerful smart home experience for Apple users. The emphasis on Apple Intelligence and enhanced Siri functionality suggests a focus on seamless integration and intuitive control, aligning with Apple's established reputation for user-friendly technology.