CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tech giant Apple is reportedly working on a new lineup of smart home devices in an attempt to get into a sector currently dominated by Amazon and Google.
Bloomberg reported Apple is working on a smart display for home use complete with a magnetic wall mount that could be used to turn lights on and off and control the thermostat. It reportedly will have FaceTime capabilities on it as well.
Apple already has some smart home capabilities in its current technology like its HomePod speaker and its HomePod mini. However, the HomePod was discontinued after only a year due to disappointing sales. The HomePod mini proved more successful at a much more affordable $99 price point.
If this new display device sounds similar to the iPad, it's because it sort of is. The iPad already has some smart-home type of features but, according to Bloomberg, this smart display marks a shift for Apple.
The company hasn't wholeheartedly tapped into the home device market as Google has with its Nest Hub and Amazon with its Echo products. Analysts said it's a sector that's growing in popularity, so it makes sense Apple is wanting in on the action.
The new Apple smart display is not expected to launch before 2024 at the earliest.
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