Apple plans second iMac G4-like smart home device

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in Future Apple Hardware

Apple's rumored smart home display could arrive in two forms, with the robot arm version joined by another with an iMac-style base.

A white iMac G4 with a flat panel display and a dome-shaped base, featuring a blue abstract wallpaper on the screen.
iMac G4 - Image credit: Apple



Rumors throughout 2024 has put forward the idea that Apple is working on more smart home devices, to expand its ecosystem's footprint. While rumors have previously discussed a robot arm, it seems there may be another device in development.

In Sunday's Bloomberg newsletter, Apple is reportedly coming up with a second version. A relatively small device, it apparently has a square display the size of two iPhones side by side.

Throwing back to an earlier product design, the device will apparently place the screen at an angle on a small base. This may be similar to the round base of the iMac G4, which may also incorporate speakers and other electronics.

It will run a new operating system with some iPadOS style apps, so it could be used for general purposes. But the main intention is for it to be a smart home hub.

This new second device will be a much cheaper version than the rumored initial model. That involves a larger screen on a robotic arm, which would be better suited for media playback and video calls.

The robot arm version is expected to cost around $1,000, and probably has little chance of an introduction before 2026. Pricing and scheduling of the cheaper iMac G4-style product was not reported.

Rumor Score: Possible

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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 14
    JP144JP144 Posts: 8member
    If this “mini G4” is basically Apple’s new HomePod speaker + Screen + Apple Intelligence then I’m in. Sad though that we won’t see it until 2026. Sad too that it will likely cost $1000. It really needs to be here spring 2025 and cost half that.
    ForumPostwilliamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 2 of 14
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 3,051member
    I have no interest in a smart speaker/display nor any AI home device. But I would love seeing the G4 iMac concept revived. It was a brilliant design.
    sflageljeffharriswilliamlondonbikertwinwatto_cobra
  • Reply 3 of 14
    AppleZuluAppleZulu Posts: 2,181member
    There’s a lot of speculation around all this, but there’s a basic use case that makes sense for something in the smart home space. 

    There’s a need for convenient control of all the emerging smart home things. You can do it with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, but home is the one place where we’re most likely to set these devices aside and be a room or more away from any of them, negating the convenience of a smart home. 

    HomePods and HP minis distributed within earshot throughout the house help with this, but only for voice commands. That leaves the scenario where  screen-based interaction might be desirable when you’ve left your portable devices in another part of the house. 

    That creates the opportunity for a screen-based device, with one or two in key locations in a home. It can be functionally limited, as compared to iPhones or iPads, meant for short interactions and quick information. 

    I don’t know about the whole robot arm thing. That seems like a a rumor that has left out significant information. 
    beowulfschmidtwilliamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 4 of 14
    slow n easyslow n easy Posts: 400member
    JP144 said:
    If this “mini G4” is basically Apple’s new HomePod speaker + Screen + Apple Intelligence then I’m in. Sad though that we won’t see it until 2026. Sad too that it will likely cost $1000. It really needs to be here spring 2025 and cost half that.
    The “mini G4” concept would be the cheaper new version, as I read the story. It’s the “robotic arm with larger screen” version that is rumored to cost $1000 and arrive in 2026. The photo of the iMac G4 was a little misleading because that is not exactly what it would look like. It would resemble the base, but the device would be way smaller and I don’t think it will look like the photo of the G4. I think the price will be $499 or less.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 5 of 14
    22july201322july2013 Posts: 3,731member
    The robotic arm prediction may simply be a way to turn a camera to point at the action, much like Center Stage works at a software level.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 6 of 14
    thttht Posts: 5,697member
    I'm pretty negative about Gen AI products. This going to be a tabletop and countertop product where you verbally interact with it? Another niche product. It's better than an audio only product, maybe?
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 7 of 14
    slow n easyslow n easy Posts: 400member
    Well you could verbally interact with it, but I don’t necessarily see that as Generative AI. I don’t think it would be any different than using a HomePod, except that you would have a screen. So I guess it would be similar to using an iPhone. You could either use the Home app or you could use Siri. Also, with iOS 18.2, Generative AI is very much optional. You can opt to have ChatGPT completely disabled if that is your preference. And even if you don’t disable it, the OS asks your permission before giving you results from ChatGPT. 
    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 8 of 14
    mattinozmattinoz Posts: 2,486member
    How long till we see an Apple cooking show with one of these animated home pods as cohost?
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 9 of 14
    jfelbabjfelbab Posts: 5member
    The "Smart Home" device I would instantly jump on is a Smart TImeCapsule. 

    williamlondonwatto_cobra
  • Reply 10 of 14
    jeffharrisjeffharris Posts: 847member
    I always liked the iMac G4. Cool design and fun to work with.
    The half-dome body was kind of limiting, but visually striking.

    Today, nobody wants a 17” screen. 24” is kind of a minimum, but that’s for a computer.
     A “smart device” is a different critter altogether. Why not improve iPhone and iPad apps, instead?

    I’m not a fan of talking to my devices, except for shouting at my Mac when it misbehaves. 😛
    I never use Siri, but I’m probably in the minority.
    bikertwinwatto_cobra
  • Reply 11 of 14
    apple4thewinapple4thewin Posts: 308member
    So like the Amazon Astro but Apple. Also i  just noticed Playstation’s character Astro bot has the same name.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 12 of 14
    eightzeroeightzero Posts: 3,147member
    jfelbab said:
    The "Smart Home" device I would instantly jump on is a Smart TImeCapsule. 

    Or...a Smart Airport with an Apple branded VPN service. 

    I am sorta wondering if/when the Time Machine function will tie into iCloud storage, rather than local storage.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 13 of 14
    bikertwinbikertwin Posts: 568member
    eightzero said:
    Or...a Smart Airport with an Apple branded VPN service. 

    I am sorta wondering if/when the Time Machine function will tie into iCloud storage, rather than local storage.
    Apple's office apps do that already, with the File-->Revert to... command. But yeah it would be nice if you could get to that at the Finder/Files app level.
    watto_cobra
  • Reply 14 of 14
    godofbiscuitssfgodofbiscuitssf Posts: 102member
    22july2013 said:
    The robotic arm prediction may simply be a way to turn a camera to point at the action, much like Center Stage works at a software level.
    There's no need for a camera to do that, as you point out.  But there is a need for a screen to do that.   It just doesn't have to be a built-in screen.  And Apple already announced APIs for robotic arms/stands at WWDC.  
    watto_cobra
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