Apple to Launch Smart Display and Security Camera for Smart Home Market

Apple is advancing its push into the smart home sector, with reports indicating plans for a new smart display launch by 2025 and a security camera debut in 2026. Sources close to the company suggest that Apple’s smart display will be unveiled as early as March 2025. The device, internally named J490, is expected to feature a 6-inch square screen, a front-facing camera, speakers, and a rechargeable battery. Functioning as a smart home hub, it will allow users to control HomeKit-compatible devices using touch or Siri voice commands, play music, and make FaceTime video calls.

The smart display will reportedly run on a new operating system called Pebble, which blends elements of WatchOS and iPhone’s Standby Mode. The device will also likely support Handoff, enabling seamless task transitions between Apple devices. Positioned to compete with Amazon’s Echo Hub, Echo Show, and Google’s Nest Hub, the basic version may retail between $150 and $230. Apple is also said to be developing a more advanced model, potentially priced around $1,000.

In a related development, Apple aims to integrate more deeply into home security. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company plans to launch a home security camera as early as 2026. The camera, expected to work with HomeKit Secure Video, will be designed to support end-to-end encryption and operate over IP, possibly aligning with the Matter standard. Apple is reportedly partnering with Goertek for assembly, with ambitious plans to produce tens of millions of units annually, aiming to capture a significant share of the global market.

Additionally, Apple’s smart home strategy includes expanding health features on its devices. The company intends to equip future AirPods models with health sensors, similar to those in the Apple Watch. These sensors may measure body temperature and incorporate features to enhance spatial audio when paired with the Apple Vision Pro. Rumors suggest the AirPods Pro 3, set for a 2025 release, could include these upgrades, while further enhancements may roll out in 2026.

Through these developments, Apple aims to strengthen its position against competitors like Google and Amazon, leveraging its ecosystem to create a seamless smart home experience.