Apple is reportedly expanding its reach into the smart home market with several upcoming products, as part of a broader effort to diversify beyond its core iPhone and Mac offerings.
According to a recent report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is actively developing new home-focused devices, with a release timeline expected between late 2025 and early 2026.
This marks Apple’s renewed attempt to establish a firm foothold in a growing segment where it has seen only modest success so far.
In previous years, Apple introduced smart home gadgets like the HomePod and the HomePod mini. While these products garnered attention, they failed to make a lasting impact compared to competitors like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home. Now, Apple seems ready to reenter the arena with more advanced and ambitious devices.
Among the most intriguing is an iPad-like smart home device reportedly featuring a robotic arm. While the details remain vague, the inclusion of a robotic mechanism suggests Apple may be exploring automation or interactivity functions that could go well beyond traditional smart screens.
This development could point toward Apple’s broader vision of a more intelligent and responsive home environment.
In addition to this futuristic model, Apple is also working on a more affordable version that will not include the robotic arm.
This device, codenamed J490, was initially scheduled for an earlier release. However, Apple has faced challenges related to Siri integration, which have delayed its launch.
Sources close to the project now suggest that this model could hit the market by the end of 2025, provided the technical issues are resolved in time.
Apple’s smart home ambitions align with its broader strategy to expand into new sectors. Over recent years, Apple has shown interest in industries ranging from health to automotive, and now the home technology space.
These moves could help Apple establish a more connected ecosystem where users can control multiple devices—like phones, wearables, and home gadgets—seamlessly through Apple software and services.
This strategic diversification is not surprising, as Apple continually seeks new avenues for growth in an increasingly saturated smartphone market. If successful, Apple could redefine how consumers interact with their living spaces, offering a premium, integrated experience unlike its competitors.
While no official dates have been confirmed, all eyes are on Apple as it aims to deliver innovation and utility in the smart home space.
The tech giant’s ability to deliver a standout product could ultimately determine how well it fares in this highly competitive market.