Apple is planning to intensify its participation in the smart home sector with the launch of a new home hub, codenamed J490, scheduled for October 13th. This information was revealed by Bloomberg, which obtained data from sources close to the matter.
This new device is expected to be the central point of the company's strategy to increase its presence in this segment. Furthermore, Apple plans to introduce the first update to the HomePod mini since its 2020 launch and a new version of the Apple TV, the first since 2022.
The design of the new hub will be comparable to devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home. It will feature a square screen of about six inches and can be placed both on a wall or on a countertop surface.
A planned feature for this equipment is the ability to identify different residents of the household. With this, the device can provide personalized content and answers based on each user's data and accounts.
This move comes shortly after John Ternus, who was responsible for Apple's hardware, took over as the company's CEO in early September. Analysts predict that his leadership will place greater focus on engineering and device areas, as well as incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities into existing products.
Details of current and future products
Currently, Apple offers the HomePod and HomePod mini in its smart home product line, while the Apple TV 4K belongs to the company's home entertainment division.
According to Bloomberg, the new HomePod mini will retain its current design but will be equipped with a faster processor to support Siri's more sophisticated AI models. A similar advancement will occur with the Apple TV, which will maintain its appearance but receive a more powerful chip to manage the virtual assistant's new AI features.
In June, Apple had presented a pending Siri revision as part of a larger effort to strengthen its AI capabilities. The company continues to seek to expand its presence in the smart home market, keeping the iPhone as its main product and key piece of its ecosystem.