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After Vision Pro Stumbles, Apple Prepares to Launch an AI-Powered Smart Display

Friday 2 January 2026 10:52
After Vision Pro Stumbles, Apple Prepares to Launch an AI-Powered Smart Display

Apple is moving to recalibrate its strategy in advanced consumer devices as it develops a new AI-powered smart display, following the limited commercial performance of its mixed-reality headset, Vision Pro.

According to industry expectations, the upcoming device is designed to function as a centralized smart home control hub, built around Apple’s expanding artificial intelligence capabilities. The product is expected to rely heavily on Apple Intelligence to handle everyday tasks and contextual interactions, positioning it as a core interface for connected home environments.

The smart display is reportedly closer in form to a compact iPad, featuring a square screen measuring around 15 centimeters. It is expected to include a front-facing camera and a built-in rechargeable battery, with availability in silver and black finishes.

The device is said to run on a new operating system dubbed “Pebble,” developed specifically to enable more intuitive and adaptive user interaction. Using proximity sensors, the display would detect when a user approaches and instantly surface relevant controls, such as temperature adjustments or home settings, while offering full integration with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem for managing smart home devices.

Security and Communication Features

Beyond home management, the new smart display is also expected to support security alerts, live streaming from home surveillance cameras, and intercom-style communication between rooms. These features would position the device as a unified platform capable of replacing several standalone smart home products.

Market expectations suggest that Apple could officially unveil the device as early as March 2025, a move aimed at strengthening its footprint in the smart home segment and competing more directly with established players such as Amazon and Google.

The initiative comes as Apple seeks to offset the challenges faced by Vision Pro, making the upcoming smart display a critical test of the company’s ability to regain momentum and expand its influence in AI-driven smart technologies. Analysts view the product as part of a broader effort to shift Apple’s innovation focus toward practical, everyday applications of artificial intelligence within the connected home.