On October 2, 2024, information leaked from an industry insider that Apple is developing its first smart home device. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who is familiar with Apple, the company is currently developing two types of smart home devices.
The first is a relatively inexpensive device, codenamed “J490.” This device is expected to be used primarily with Apple’s video calling service FaceTime, and will also function as a smart home hub. The second device is more premium, codenamed “J595.
” This device is expected to be priced at over $1,000 (approximately and will feature a large display. Specifically, it is designed to resemble an iPad with a pedestal and a robotic arm, and is expected to have features unique to premium models, such as the display changing orientation according to the user’s movements.
Both devices are likely to be equipped with “HomeOS,” a new operating system that Apple is said to be developing. Gurman points out that these devices could be released as early as 2025.
New iPhone SE and iPad launch plans, and changes to Apple Intelligence strategy
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Apple plans to launch a new product lineup early next year. According to a person familiar with the matter, production preparations are underway for a new model of the low-cost iPhone SE and a new iPad. The new
iPhone SE will be the first update since 2022, and is expected to feature 5G capabilities as well as a new design that eliminates the home button. In addition, it is expected that AI functions will be available at low prices by supporting the new generative AI (artificial intelligence) platform “Apple Intelligence” introduced in the iPhone 16 series. A
new iPad Air model is also planned to be released at the same time, and it seems that the main focus is on improving internal performance. An updated version of the “Magic Keyboard” is also said to be prepared for the new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air. These new products will be released just as Apple announced its own AI “Apple Intelligence” and equipped all models with AI functions in the latest iPhone 16 series.
However, just at that time, information emerged that the company had decided not to invest in OpenAI, causing a stir in the industry. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Apple has declined to participate in OpenAI’s funding round, which is estimated at about $6.5 billion. The reason behind this decision has not been disclosed, but it is speculated that this may be a change in Apple’s AI strategy. The
original plan was to integrate OpenAI’s “ChatGPT” and “GPT-4” and make them accessible via the voice assistant Siri. It is unclear how this decision will affect Apple’s partnership with OpenAI, but market participants are concerned. Will Apple focus more on its own AI development, or will it seek to partner with another AI company?
