It’s not the iPhone 17 — the most important product for Apple in 2025 is expected to be the smart home control display, which is predicted to be a key device for the company this year.
In a Power On newsletter on Bloomberg, analyst Mark Gurman revealed that Apple plans to launch a smart home control display, based on the HomePod, with a 7-inch screen in 2025.
If there are no changes, this will be “Apple’s most important product of the year,” marking a significant step for the company into the smart home market.
“Apple has entered 2024 with a new product on the shelves — the Vision Pro glasses — a significant milestone, even though the device didn’t make much of a splash,” Gurman noted. “In 2025, Apple plans to enter a new segment with the introduction of a smart home control center.”
The Bloomberg writer mentioned that the product will resemble an iPad, but smaller and more affordable. Its primary functions will include controlling smart home devices, making FaceTime calls, and handling some other tasks.
“I still consider this to be the most important device for Apple this year, as it marks the company’s first step toward playing a larger role in the smart home sector,” Gurman shared.
Earlier rumors suggested that Apple was developing a smart display and a HomePod integrated with a screen. According to MacRumors, it’s likely these devices are one and the same.
For example, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported in December 2024 that a new HomePod with a 6-7 inch display, A18 chip, and integrated Apple Intelligence would begin mass production in the second half of 2025.
Smart home control is predicted to be the main feature of the product, aligning with rumors about Apple’s strategy to enter the market.
Previously, Gurman reported that the device could be mounted on a speaker stand or hung on the wall. The device will run on a new operating system (tentatively called homeOS) with a home screen based on widgets, and interactions will revolve around Siri, Apple Intelligence, and HomeKit.
Apple’s Smart Display, HomePod, and Smart Home Integration
According to the description, the device could also serve as a security monitor by displaying video from cameras, while using an integrated webcam for FaceTime calls.
The hardware will be optimized for App Intents. Expected to launch in the coming months, this system will allow AI to precisely control apps and common tasks within Apple’s operating system.
The device will also come preloaded with several apps, such as a web browser, news, and music. Users will be able to access notes, sync calendar appointments from iCloud, and activate a digital photo frame mode.
If launched, Apple’s smart display will compete with the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. However, it’s still unclear whether Apple will use the HomePod brand or choose a new name.
“The product will offer a different platform for AI features, followed by a more advanced version in the coming years. The upgraded model is expected to feature a robotic arm to move around the room with the user,” Gurman emphasized.
In addition to the smart display, Apple is rumored to be planning the development of a security camera. As for the HomePod line, the next-generation HomePod mini is expected to launch later this year.
