JAKARTA - Apple is rumored to be launching its first smart home hub this year. But there are still many questions about its relevance and launch time, given the dominance of Google and Amazon in this market and the growing importance of the Matter platform.
Apple's previous efforts through HomePod were considered a failure, and without a definite launch date, it is not clear whether this new Apple product will be able to stand out or justify a premium price that is likely to be priced.
Unlike Google and Amazon, Apple has so far not shown great seriousness in the realm of smart homes. The company had previously tried via HomePod and HomePod mini, but neither of them received a warm welcome from the market. Even so, rumors say that Apple will try again later this year by releasing a real smart home hub.
In his latest Power On bulletin, technology journalist Mark Gurman from Bloomberg said he expected Apple to introduce its first smart home hub by the end of this year. In a question and answer session, Gurman revealed several Apple smart home products that are being developed, including iPad-like devices with robotic arms.
He also mentioned that the cheaper version of the product, namely a smart screen codenamed J490, which is not equipped with robotic arms. The lower class version of the smart screen coded J490 without arms has been delayed due to problems with Siri. I estimate J490 will launch to the market at the latest by the end of this year, with robotic arm versions following one to two years later, "said Gurman.
Rumors about Apple's smart home device development have indeed been circulating. However, there are concerns that Apple may be too late to enter this market. Google and Amazon already have their flagship smart home hubs that are quite successful and sold at relatively affordable prices.
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Referring to the price of the HomePod, which used to be quite high, many are worried that Apple will price its new smart home hub at high prices. As usual, if you want to have Apple products, be prepared to pay dearly because of Apple's tax.
Still Relevant? In addition, questions arise about the relevance of this product. Apple is indeed a member of the Matter alliance, which aims to unite various smart home platforms so that they can connect with each other. This means, you don't have to have an Apple-made hub to be able to control smart home devices.
Until now, there is no certainty when this product will be released. Apple usually hosts its annual iPhone launch event in September, so it's possible that this hub will be announced there. Another alternative is at the end of the year, coinciding with the launch of new iPad and Mac products.
For now, we can only wait and see further developments. So, this news should be handled carefully and not yet taken into account.
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