Apple plans to fundamentally transform home automation through artificial intelligence by the years 2026-27.
Apple to Revolutionize Smart Home with AI-Powered Devices
Apple is set to make a significant entry into the smart home market, developing a range of home security products and two major new devices set to launch between 2026 and 2027. These devices, codenamed J490 and J595, will run on a new home-focused operating system called Charismatic and feature advanced AI and facial recognition capabilities.
The first device, the J490 smart display, is expected to be a wall-mounted control panel for the home, boasting a 6 to 7-inch touchscreen. It will support FaceTime, custom widgets, and a new Siri interface inspired by the Mac Finder icon. The standout feature is its facial recognition capability, enabling it to identify household members and customize the interface and commands accordingly. Despite having a touchscreen, the interaction will emphasize voice commands through a redesigned Siri that uses advanced language models and personal data for contextual, multi-user responses. Originally slated for 2025, the device has been delayed to mid-2026 due to technical challenges integrating AI.
The J595 tabletop robot, set to launch in 2027, is a more advanced device. It will feature an iPad-sized display mounted on a motorized arm that can swivel and follow people around the room, serving as a virtual companion and videoconferencing hub. A unique control feature will allow users to operate it via their iPhone as a joystick. Like the J490, it will run the Charismatic OS and incorporate the upgraded Siri with a personality-driven visual interface codenamed "Bubbles".
Both devices emphasize privacy, contextual personalization, multi-user support, and voice-first interaction. Apple aims to compete with products like Amazon’s Astro robot and Google/Nest smart displays and cameras, enhancing home automation with AI-driven features. The rollout aligns with Apple’s broader smart home ecosystem expansion, which includes new HomePod and Apple TV models in 2025 under the upcoming Apple Home unified brand, replacing the older HomeKit terminology.
In summary, Apple's AI-enhanced Siri and multi-user Charismatic OS are central to the user experience on both devices, with releases currently delayed from original timelines due to AI integration challenges. The home security products are expected to integrate with home automation to control lights, play music, or send notifications, positioning Apple as a rival to Ring (Amazon) and Nest (Google) in the home security market. By 2026 and 2027, we may see if the home can become an intelligent organism that accompanies, interprets, and - perhaps - cares for us.
The upcoming smart-home devices from Apple, the J490 smart display and the J595 tabletop robot, are designed to revolutionize home-and-garden lifestyle with advanced technology and AI capabilities. These smart gadgets will run on a new home-focused operating system called Charismatic, offering customized and personalized user experiences. Apple plans to challenge competitors like Amazon’s Astro robot and Google/Nest smart displays and cameras in both home automation and home security markets, bringing AI-driven features to control devices and enhance home living.
