Apple Expands Smart Home Ecosystem with Smart Display and Security Camera

Apple is gearing up to expand its presence in the smart home sector with new products, including a smart display expected in 2025 and a security camera anticipated for 2026, according to industry sources. Apple’s strategic move aims to strengthen its competitive position against smart home leaders like Amazon and Google.

The smart display, rumored to be named J490, is designed as a 6-inch square screen that can be wall-mounted. The device is expected to include a front-facing camera, speakers, and a rechargeable battery, serving as a control hub for smart home devices through touch or voice commands via Siri. Integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, this smart panel will allow users to play music, control HomeKit devices, and make FaceTime video calls. Additionally, the smart display will operate on a new OS, codenamed “Pebble,” which blends elements of WatchOS with iPhone’s Standby Mode. The feature may also support Apple’s Handoff technology, enabling seamless task transitions across Apple devices linked by the same Apple ID.

A more advanced version of this smart display is also reportedly in development, with a potential retail price around $1,000. The primary version, however, would compete directly with Amazon’s Echo Hub and Google’s Nest Hub, which are typically priced between $150 and $230.

Apple is also pursuing the security camera market, with plans to release a camera by 2026. This device is projected to support Apple’s HomeKit Secure Video (HSV) for end-to-end encrypted video storage. The camera, designed to integrate into the Apple ecosystem, is expected to operate over IP and possibly support the Matter protocol, a recent connectivity standard in smart home tech. Industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that Apple has tapped Goertek to manufacture tens of millions of units annually, a target that could cover nearly a quarter of the global smart home camera market.

Furthermore, Apple is considering incorporating health-tracking features into its next-generation AirPods, possibly launching by 2025 or 2026. With sensors aimed at monitoring health metrics—similar to those found in Apple Watch—the new AirPods could expand their functionality beyond audio. The goal is to increase projected sales from 48 million units in 2023 to 68 million by 2026, aligning with Apple’s broader health-oriented product strategy.

Apple’s ambitious roadmap highlights its commitment to advancing smart home technology and competing with established players in both smart home and health tech markets.