Word has come in that Apple is developing a new smart home device that combines the functionality of the iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod and could be available as early as next year

This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who wrote in this weekend's PowerOn newsletter that Apple is working on a “low-end smart display for using FaceTime and controlling appliances” that is scheduled to launch next year He writes The display is designed to allow users to control appliances and quickly look up information while running everyday apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home Apple is also testing a prototype with magnets for wall mounting

Most interestingly, the display will support Apple Intelligence This smart display runs on a new operating system called homeOS, which is based on Apple TV's tvOS

“We expect that eventually both operating systems will be integrated and run on all Apple home devices,” Garman said

Rumors of such smart home products have been circulating for some time now Some have claimed that the mystery smart home device would feature an iPad-like display, automatically putting it in the running for best smart display

According to a 9to5Mac report published earlier this week, the device is rumored to have a square display and run on an A18 chip However, it is not clear if it is the base A18 or the more powerful A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max The device could also feature gesture controls as well as a built-in camera for video chat capabilities This same report echoed Gurman's claim that the smart home accessory could perform Apple Intelligence functions Earlier this year, MacRumors found evidence of this device and homeOS in code found in Apple's back end

Of course, all of this should be taken with a grain of salt for now The earliest we can see if it's good enough to make our list of best smart home devices is 2025, if all goes as planned