Apple Re-enters the Smart Home Market With New Devices and Partners
Technology · First reported 27 Oct, 07:02 · Updated 07:56
Apple introduced a home display, a second-generation HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K, alongside accessories made with LG and Schneider Electric. The article argues that Apple’s effort faces challenges from established competitors, high device and ecosystem costs, and a smart-speaker market that has contracted from its peak.
- At an October 13 launch, Apple announced a $299 HomeView display, a $149 HomePod mini 2 and a new Apple TV 4K; the article says only the HomePod mini 2 is available to consumers in Chinese mainland.
- Apple partnered with LG and Schneider Electric on smart-home accessories, including cameras, doorbells, locks and thermostats, with Apple devices serving as the system’s control point.
- The article describes Apple’s earlier HomePod effort as struggling against cheaper speakers and says smart-speaker shipments have fallen from their peaks in both China and the United States.
Summary written by Lux AI from 1 articles
Key facts
- Launch date stated
- October 13
- HomeView price
- $299
- HomePod mini 2 price
- $149
- Xiaomi IoT-connected devices
- 900 million in 2024, up from 150 million in 2018
- China smart-speaker shipments
- 36 million in 2021; just over 10 million last year, according to the article
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Background
- An earlier Lux headline concerned Apple’s work on an AI health coach and said iOS 27.2 did not bring it; no further details were supplied. [5aca36dc-3687-4f28-9d89-89336b16f4eb]
- Another earlier Lux headline concerned a reported drop of about 30% in Apple iPhone sales in India during Dussehra; no further details were supplied. [51e37a29-9345-41ba-b918-5a9c94320238]
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- Unknown 100% (1)
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