An iPad dock accessory could go on sale in 2023, bringing a smart home center that is said to be similar to Google’s recently launched tablet dock.
- What is happening? Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple is working on an iPad smart home dock that will work similarly to Google’s new speaker charging dock that turns its own tablet into a Nest hub.
- Why care? An iPad dock accessory will help Apple “make some noise in the smart home space”until a device similar to the Echo Show is rumored to arrive.
- What to do? A pinch of salt and all. Someone else needs to confirm this rumor because Gurman is the only reporter calling for such an accomplice.
Smart Home iPad Dock Accessory Sounds Cool
In the latest edition of his Bloomberg Power On newsletter, reporter Mark Gurman laid out some details about the iPad dock.
With it, Apple can “make some noise in the smart home space”in the smart home space until the company releases its rumored Amazon Echo Show-like accessory.
The author says the iPad accessory dock will work similarly to the dock Google made for its own tablet, which doubles as a smart display and home hub.
I was told that Apple is working on bringing a similar functionality to the iPad. Last year, I reported that Apple was looking into a standalone device that combines an iPad and a speaker hub. The idea is to offer something that users can place on the kitchen table, in the living room or on the nightstand. But Apple was also working on an iPad docking station accessory that could be sold separately that would do much the same thing.
According to rumors, the accessory may appear “as early as 2023,” the author claims.
Gurman’s report also notes that Apple may be working on a new HomePod model that could be larger than the current HomePod mini.
Apple may prepare other smart home appliances
Interestingly, Apple’s recent software update disabled the feature that allows the iPad to act as a HomeKit hub for remote access to your smart home appliances. Currently, only Apple TV and HomePod serve as HomeKit hubs.
Gurman has previously said that Apple may be exploring a strange accessory that will dangle an iPad from a robotic arm to follow you as you walk around a room.
The journalist also claimed that the Cupertino giant could create a sort of smart soundbar to compete with the Amazon Echo Show and similar devices. It will reportedly combine Apple TV, iPad, and HomePod features in one device, using the built-in FaceTime camera for FaceTime calls and other features.