Apple is reportedly working on a dock accessory that would allow the iPad to transform into a smart home display, similar to Google’s approach with the Pixel Tablet. The news comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who has a track record of reliable leaks and insider information about Apple’s plans.
According to Gurman’s “Power On” newsletter, he expects Apple to bring similar functionality to the iPad as soon as 2023. Gurman previously reported that Apple is exploring a standalone home device that combines a screen with a smart speaker, but the company is also said to be working on an iPad docking accessory that could be sold separately and accomplish much of the same thing.
The dock could enable the iPad to be used as a smart home controller and display, with features such as controlling smart home accessories and making FaceTime calls using the iPad’s front-facing camera with Center Stage. This would effectively serve as an introduction to Apple’s future smart home display and “HomePod with a screen” devices.
Apple’s plans for the smart home market are apparently only getting started, with recent rumors about a redesigned HomePod with a 7-inch display expected to be released in the first half of 2024. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has also predicted that a new HomePod mini is on the horizon for 2024.
It’s not surprising that Apple is expanding its smart home offerings, given the growing market for these devices. Google’s Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max have been successful in this area, and Amazon’s Echo Show is also popular. Apple has the advantage of its established ecosystem, with millions of iPhones and iPads already in use, which could make it an attractive option for consumers.
In addition to the dock accessory, Apple is rumored to be working on a new operating system called “homeOS” for its future smart home devices. This could factor into the plans for an iPad dock designed around home usage.
Overall, it seems that Apple is making a serious push into the smart home market, with plans for both standalone devices and accessories that work with existing products. If the company can execute these plans effectively, it could become a major player in the space, giving Google and Amazon a run for their money.
Sources
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/03/13/apple-to-offer-ipad-dock-before-screen-homepod/