Apple might launch a new smart display running a new operating system called homeOS early next year. The device could feature FaceTime integration and act as a smart home controller.

The low-end smart display, code-named J490, seemingly will act as a companion to a long-rumored, more-expensive tabletop iPad on a robotic arm.

Apple’s new low-end smart home display will run homeOS

Apple failed to penetrate the smart home and speaker market with the HomePod smart speaker it launched in 2018. Despite the HomePod and HomePod mini delivering fantastic sound quality, the speakers’ relatively high prices — and the limited capabilities of “smart” assistant Siri — held them back. Apple never launched a smart display device to take on the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show.

Although consumer interest in smart displays seems to be waning, Apple reportedly remains interested in entering the segment.

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman details Apple’s upcoming low-end smart display in the latest edition of his Power On newsletter. He says the device will launch early next year with homeOS.

More importantly, it will feature Apple Intelligence support, bringing Apple’s AI tools to your home. Apple’s AI and engineering teams reportedly are collaborating closely on the project. None of Apple’s current home-branded products, like the HomePod or Apple TV, support Apple Intelligence.

Apple reportedly will base homeOS on tvOS, which Apple TV boxes currently run on. Apple plans to use the same operating system on its tabletop iPad with a robotic arm.

Gurman thinks the company eventually will merge the operating systems and run them on all its home devices.

Apple optimizes its upcoming smart display for smart home controls

Apple is designing the low-end smart display to run apps like Calendar, Notes and Home. It seemingly will optimize the user interface for managing smart-home apps and quickly accessing relevant information. Reportedly, Apple’s prototypes envision the device as magnetically attaching to walls or sitting on top of desks.

With a smarter Siri (reportedly coming early next year as part of the slow Apple Intelligence rollout), an optimized UI, useful AI features and an affordable price tag, Apple’s new low-end homeOS device might have a shot. If the product falters in any of these areas, it likely will meet the same fate as other Apple smart home devices.