Apple fans may have a fresh take on smart home devices to look forward to as early as next year. According to insider reports, the tech giant is reportedly working on a smart home display combining the functionality of an iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod in one compact device. But what has Apple enthusiasts buzzing is the hint that this device could feature a retro design reminiscent of the beloved iMac G4, which has remained a fan favourite since its release in the early 2000s.
Classic design meets smart home innovation
Reports of Apple’s new smart display surfaced in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman, who detailed Apple’s plans to expand its presence in the smart home market. Gurman’s description reveals a device with a square screen, similar to an iPad in design, but scaled down to a unique size “about the width of two iPhones placed side by side.” The device sits on a small, angled base that is said to resemble the circular stand of the iMac G4. The iMac G4, affectionately called the “sunflower” Mac, is celebrated for its quirky and timeless look, and Apple appears set to revive this iconic aesthetic.
Alongside its display features, the new device could include speakers embedded within its base, effectively merging a HomePod-like audio experience with the functionality of a screen. If Apple follows this route, it would position the device as a direct competitor to Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub, which have already gained traction in the smart home display space.
High-powered performance and new software
At the heart of this new smart home display will likely be Apple’s A18 chip, a high-performance processor that could significantly enhance the device’s capabilities. This chip would bring Apple’s advanced AI suite, Apple Intelligence, into the home environment, a feature Apple’s current smart home devices cannot fully support. Apple Intelligence includes features like voice recognition, predictive insights, and adaptive responses, making it more responsive and useful in everyday tasks.
Gurman’s report also suggests the device could be priced affordably, likely in the same range as popular smart home displays. Apple reportedly aims to encourage users to set up multiple units around the home for easy access to streaming Apple TV Plus, making FaceTime calls, surfing the web, and managing everyday apps like Calendar and Notes. This all-in-one solution may run on a new operating system, homeOS, based on the current Apple TV’s tvOS. If true, homeOS could unify Apple’s home devices under one system, creating a smoother, more integrated user experience for home automation, entertainment, and daily planning.
Launch date on the horizon
Though an official release date hasn’t been announced, reports suggest Apple aims to launch as early as 2025. 9to5Mac reported a tentative release window in spring 2025, giving Apple time to finalise the device’s design and functionality to compete with established smart home players.
If Apple pulls this off, it could introduce a visually unique and highly functional addition to the smart home market. For fans of Apple’s classic designs, the throwback to the iMac G4 could be just the touch that sets it apart from other smart home displays. The anticipation builds as Apple enthusiasts and smart home users await more details on what could be a game-changer in design and functionality.