**Apple to Launch AI-Powered Smart Home Display by March 2025**

Apple aims to make a significant leap in the smart home market with the introduction of an AI-powered smart home display, projected for release as early as March 2025. The upcoming device will feature a six-inch square display with notable thick bezels around its edges, distinguishing it from the rectangular iPad. Equipped with a front-facing camera for FaceTime and internal speakers for music playback, the display will also boast a built-in rechargeable battery. It will be available in silver and black color options and will use a touch-based interface combined with voice control.

The display will integrate Apple Intelligence, a system designed to control smart home products and apps, leveraging App Intents – a Siri system capable of managing multiple tasks. The device will support a customizable home screen packed with widgets to display weather, appointments, photo slideshows, and crucial home controls. Users will be able to launch apps via a software-based dock, and the device will feature intercom functionality across multiple rooms.

Security is another focus area for Apple, with the smart home display offering alerts and camera footage from linked smart home cameras. Built-in sensors will gauge user proximity and adjust functionalities accordingly. For instance, the display might show the temperature when no one is nearby but switch to a thermostat interface when someone approaches, similar to the functionality seen in Nest thermostats.

Beyond smart home controls and FaceTime capabilities, the device will include several Apple apps like Safari, Apple News, Apple Music, Notes, Calendar, and Photos. However, it will not feature a dedicated App Store. The company is also planning different attachments, such as a wall-mounting plate and a base with additional speakers for optimal placement within the home.

Apple intends to position this smart display as a "command center," strengthening its foothold in the smart home domain. This project has been in the works for over three years, with Apple CEO Tim Cook urging the engineering and design teams to prioritize its development. Although the device will function independently, it is designed to work seamlessly with other Apple products and will require an iPhone for setup.

In terms of market competition, Apple aims to rival similar products from Amazon and Google, such as Amazon's Echo Hub priced at $150 and Google's Nest Hub Max at $230. While there's consideration for Apple to delve into its own line of smart home accessories, the success of this smart home display will be a determining factor. Notably, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has indicated that Apple could launch a smart home camera in 2026, showcasing wireless connectivity and deep integration with Apple Intelligence.

Looking ahead, Apple envisions a robotic version of its smart home display that can move the screen around, marking another innovative step in the company's smart home ambitions.