Apple Set to Expand Its Smart Home Ecosystem with New Smart Display and Security Camera

In Berlin, Germany, a recent photograph of Apple’s iconic logo outside an Apple Store captures the essence of a tech giant reportedly preparing to enter the smart home market with two new devices: a smart display and a security camera. These products could position Apple to compete more directly with Amazon and Google in the smart home space, further extending its ecosystem.

The first device, codenamed J490, is anticipated to be a wall-mounted smart display, rumored for a March release. Industry insiders suggest it will be a sleek, square device resembling an iPad, serving as a command center for various home automation functions. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that this display will enable users to control appliances, conduct video calls, and navigate apps with both touch and advanced AI, likely through Apple’s proprietary AI platform, Apple Intelligence, already found in the latest iPhone models.

Equipped with a 6-inch display, a camera, speakers, and a user-friendly touch interface inspired by StandBy mode from the Apple Watch and iPhone, the smart hub may utilize proximity sensors for added functionality. Advanced versions could even include robotic movement, allowing the display to follow a user’s gaze or adjust its position as needed.

The second device reportedly in development is an Apple-branded smart security camera, potentially debuting in 2026. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that this camera will integrate seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem, leveraging Siri and Apple Intelligence for unified control. Compatible with Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV) service, the camera would securely store footage in iCloud, aligning with current Apple hubs like HomePod and Apple TV.

This rumored camera may also bring new AI-powered features, including facial recognition and activity tracking, aligning with Apple’s vision for an interconnected smart home experience. Through these innovations, Apple appears focused on expanding its ecosystem, providing users with more options to enhance their smart home setups while maintaining the convenience of staying within Apple’s ecosystem.