Apple smart home devices to take on Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show line, with new HomePod, TV box and smart displays

Apple smart home devices have not kept up with Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show, but upcoming releases including a smart display may change that

On the back of its new HomePod smart speaker, the tech giant will update its TV box, and also has a hybrid TV, smart speaker and FaceTime camera device planned

Reading Time:3 minutes

On the heels of its new HomePod, Apple will take on rivals Google and Amazon in the smart home space with a slate of new devices. Photo: Apple

Published: 5:15pm, 21 Jan 2023

Despite its success in the personal computer, smartphone and smartwatch industries, Apple has so far struggled in the ever-growing smart home space, ceding much of the market to its rivals Amazon and Google.

The company’s current devices remain limited in their functionality, with its Siri voice-control service lagging behind Alexa and Google Assistant.

In a bid to turn the tide in its favour, the technology giant is now working on a slate of smart home devices – including new displays and a faster TV set-top box – following the release of its new HomePod speaker.

Apple’s push into smart displays will start with a tablet product – essentially a low-end iPad – that can control things like thermostats and lights, show video and handle FaceTime chats, insiders say.

Apple recently updated its Home app as part of its renewed push into the smart home market. Photo: Apple

The product will be mountable on walls or elsewhere using magnetic fasteners, positioning it as more of a home gadget than a regular iPad.