Apple Prepares for Major Smart Home Expansion as Siri AI Sets the Stage for New Hardware

Simultaneously, the Apple TV 4K is due for its own evolution. While the current model utilizes the A15 Bionic chip, reports indicate that the next iteration will feature the A17 Pro. While some enthusiasts might find the choice of a three-year-old chip curious for a 2024 or 2025 release, the A17 Pro represents a massive leap in terms of AI performance and gaming capabilities. This chip will enable the Apple TV to run many Apple Intelligence features locally, transforming the television into a central command center for the home.

In addition to the internal specifications, there is evidence that Apple is tweaking the design of the Siri Remote. While the current aluminum remote is well-regarded, the redesign may focus on better integration with Find My technology or improved ergonomics. Apple recently adjusted the pricing for the Apple TV 4K to start at $199, and it is anticipated that this pricing structure will carry over to the new hardware.

Not quite as soon: The "HomePad" and the rise of homeOS

While updates to existing products provide a bridge to the future, the most anticipated development in Apple’s home strategy is the entry into the smart display market. For years, Apple users have repurposed old iPads as makeshift home controllers, but the company is now nearing the release of a dedicated smart home hub.

Internally, this project is described as having two distinct variants. The first is a standalone screen designed to be mounted on walls via a magnetic system, acting as a digital command center for lighting, climate, and security. The second variant is a more traditional smart display attached to a high-quality speaker base, positioning it as a direct competitor to the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show.

These devices are rumored to run a brand-new operating system currently dubbed "homeOS." Built on the foundations of tvOS and iOS, homeOS is being designed specifically for glanceable information and touch-first home control. The hardware is expected to sport a 7-inch square display, a departure from the rectangular aspect ratios of the iPad. This "HomePad," as it has been nicknamed by some, will likely be powered by the A18 chip, ensuring it has the headroom to handle FaceTime calls, high-fidelity audio, and the full suite of Siri AI features.

The timeline for these products is slightly more fluid, with current estimates placing a release window between late October and early next year. This suggests that while they could arrive alongside the new HomePod mini and Apple TV, Apple may choose to give them their own dedicated launch window to highlight the introduction of homeOS.