Key facts
- Apple is expected to unveil new smart home products at its "Welcome Home" event on Monday.
- The new products will feature an AI-upgraded Siri virtual assistant.
- An iPad-like device designed for walls or tabletops is anticipated.
- Rivals like Amazon and Google have significant investments in the smart home market.
- Analysts cite third-party device compatibility and Siri's limited usefulness as past hurdles for Apple.
Apple is expected to reveal a new suite of smart home products at its "Welcome Home" event on Monday, highlighted by an AI-enhanced Siri virtual assistant. The lineup is anticipated to include an iPad-like device designed for walls or tabletops, intended to control various smart home devices. This strategic move aims to bolster Apple's position in a market where it has faced challenges with third-party device compatibility and Siri's responsiveness, according to analysts.
Competitors such as Amazon with its Echo speakers and Google with its Home speakers have established significant presences in the smart home sector. Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst at TECHnalysis Research, noted that while AI improvements are expected to help, Apple's success will depend on its ability to ensure seamless connectivity across different smart home ecosystems.
The company's push into smart home hardware comes amid a broader trend of tech companies releasing AI-focused devices. Meta recently unveiled its AI device Charm and VR Glasses, while OpenAI announced its AI agent Dots. These developments signal a shift away from reliance on platforms like the iPhone for distribution, a strategy that has historically benefited Apple.