Every couple of weeks, a new rumor pops up that Apple is developing an iPad-like smart home display. Most of them come from Apple whisperer Mark Garman of Bloomberg.

This week, Garman published a new rumor about a smart home device that he says will be available in March 2025.

Long hinted at, the device is believed to be a wall-mounted “command center” that will control smart home devices, support video calling, and use voice-activated Siri commands. This is reminiscent of the Amazon Echo Hub and Google Nest Hub.

Both Echo and Nest offer very straightforward interfaces that can be integrated with other smart products such as Ring cams and Nest thermostats. These two are the best smart home hubs and are tough competitors for Apple.

According to Gurman, Apple will announce the controller in early March of next year. Codenamed J490, it is also likely to launch a custom version of Apple Intelligence, described as a “blend of watchOS and iOS StandBy Mode”. Apparently the UI is “dynamic” and changes based on your proximity.

The display is touch-based, but the primary controls will be voice via Siri and Apple Intelligence. It is apparently designed around something called “App Intents,” which is a platform that allows AI to “precisely control applications and tasks. The platform is supposed to debut in the coming months. However, it is not certain whether it will launch alongside the rumored smart home device or before it.

The device will reportedly feature a 6-inch display, built-in camera, rechargeable battery, and speakers.

Assuming the rumors are true, Apple is looking to offer a centralized solution for controlling HomeKit-enabled smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras.

Apple is likely to make a variety of attachments, including wall mounts and several different bases with speakers that can be placed around the house. Sources say that Apple is considering this device as a way to video conference for FaceTime or meetings while cooking.

It is supposed to have sensors to detect how many people are nearby and Apple's Handoff feature that allows tasks to be moved from device to device. For example, one could start a function on a smart home tablet and continue it on an iPhone.

The device is standalone, and according to Garman, Apple envisions people purchasing multiple units of this device and spreading it throughout their homes.

Apple is also said to be building robotic limbs that could hold the display and follow it around the house in the future. This idea has been rumored for some time and could be priced at $1,000. This is reminiscent of Meta's failed “Portal” project, which was cancelled in 2022 amid budget cuts and mass layoffs. The robot's limbs may acquire AI personalities, which should make it “an AI companion in the home or workspace.”

Allegedly, Apple is trying to bring the smart home panel into the price range of the Echo Hub and Nest Hub Max, which sell for $180 and $230, respectively. They will be available in silver and black.