Apple to Reportedly Launch iPad Smart Home Dock Ahead of HomePod With a Screen

Apple is reportedly developing a dock accessory for the iPad, offering users similar functionality to Google’s Pixel Tablet and transforming the device into an intuitive smart home display. The latest report comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Earlier this year, Google thrilled the world with their announcement of a charging dock for their Pixel Tablet. This sleek and innovative accessory will transform your tablet into an interactive smart home display, similar to Nest Hub or Max. As per Google’s press release, the dock boasts an integrated speaker that magnetically attaches to the back of your device while also providing convenient power access.

In the most recent edition of his “Power On” newsletter, Gurman expressed that Apple will likely bring a similar setup to the ‌iPad‌ next year with an independent dock add-on. This would be an interim way out while they work on creating their own device containing both display and smart speaker capabilities as one unit for home use. Here’s a snippet from the newsletter:

I’m told Apple is working to bring similar functionality to the iPad as soon as 2023. I reported last year that Apple is exploring a stand-alone device that combines an iPad with a speaker hub. The idea is to offer something that users can place on a kitchen counter, in the living room or on their nightstand. But Apple also has worked on an iPad docking accessory that it could sell separately and would accomplish much of the same thing.

MARK GURMAN — BLOOMBERG

With an ‌iPad Smart Home Dock, you would be able to effortlessly manage your smart home accessories and make FaceTime calls using the tablet’s front camera with Apple’s Center Stage feature. This could be a perfect introduction for users who are looking into Apple’s future HomePod-enabled display products that run on the new “homeOS” operating system. Rumours have been circulating about this device ever since we heard of its development!

It’s clear that Apple is just getting started with its smart home initiatives, as the full-size HomePod was recently reintroduced and reliable rumours are circulating about an upcoming 7-inch display model of the HomePod mini. According to well-known analyst Ming Chi Kuo, this refreshed iteration of HomePods should be available in early 2024. With these exciting new products on their way, we can expect more from Apple in the smart home domain.