But Apple is also reportedly working on a cheaper smart home display, which won't have the robotic arm, and will be intended mainly for controlling home appliances and using FaceTime. That one might arrive as early as 2025.

The J490 project will bear fruit as soon as next year when Apple releases the display-laden HomePod in the first quarter, most likely in the spring. The small smart display's usefulness will be augmented by Apple Intelligence, as it will ostensibly be powered by the iPhone 16 's A18 processor.

Apple could release an iPad-like smart home accessory based on its homeOS platform as early as next year, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.