Apple has been working on a docking accessory for the iPad that would allow customers to turn the device into a smart home display, similar to Google’s approach with the Pixel tablet.


During Google’s last event, the company announced it would offer a charging speaker dock that magnetically attaches to the back of the upcoming Pixel tablet, essentially turning it into a smart home display like the Nest Hub and Nest Hub Max . Gurman said today that he expects Apple to bring similar functionality to the “iPad” next year through a docking accessory, sold separately, while the company works on a standalone product for the home that will include a display and a intelligent speaker combined.

Gurman wrote in his latest Power On newsletter:

I’ve been told that Apple is working on bringing similar features to the iPad as early as 2023. I reported last year that Apple is investigating a standalone 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 bedside table. But Apple has also been working on an iPad docking accessory that it could sell separately and would achieve a lot of that.

An “iPad” docking accessory could allow users to use their “iPad” to control various features of their home via the Home app, make FaceTime calls using the “iPad’s” front camera with Center Stage, and more.

Compared to Google and Amazon, Apple has held back on home products, only releasing the HomePod mini in October 2020 before discontinuing the original HomePod in March 2021. A new full-size HomePod is one of several products expected from Apple for release in 2023. Rumor has it that the new full-size HomePod will retain the same design as the original smart speaker, but with faster performance and possibly a new display Offer.

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