Apple fans eagerly anticipating new hardware may need to temper their expectations regarding upgrades to the Apple TV and the introduction of advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities. Despite circulating rumors of a new Apple TV model potentially equipped with an advanced chip to support Apple AI, concrete details remain sparse.
More intriguingly, recent code discoveries suggest Apple might be developing a new device categorized as a “HomeAccessory,” potentially powered by the same chipset slated for the iPhone 16 series. These chips are expected to significantly enhance Apple Intelligence capabilities. However, it appears that this rumored HomeAccessory product is neither a HomePod nor an Apple TV but could be running a variant of tvOS, suggesting an entirely different kind of product possibly akin to a home robot.
#Apple’s Device Longevity Makes #AI More Important#artificialintelligence #generativeai #CIOWeek24 #LondonTechWeek #digitaltransformation #techspohttps://t.co/yIIbOfVSM1 pic.twitter.com/BNpR80o223
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According to details from MacRumors, the device is referred to as “HomeAccessory17,1,” aligning with Apple’s naming conventions, where “17,1” hints at the integration of the upcoming A18 chip. Speculation around this device includes potential features like a touchscreen display atop a HomePod, reflecting earlier rumors about Apple’s exploration of a HomePod with such enhancements.
Further stirring the pot, there have been reports of Apple potentially revamping Siri to make it the backbone of a futuristic table-top robot, akin to a mobile large iPad display that could mimic human head motions and be primarily controlled by voice. This development leans heavily on achieving a more advanced and nuanced version of Siri, which could be pivotal for navigating the AI-driven functionalities of such a device.
Despite these exciting prospects, any realization of a large iPad-like robot for home or desk use seems distant. It is suggested that this device would run iOS instead of tvOS to accommodate its advanced features. Additionally, while Siri is expected to gain enhanced AI capabilities with iOS 18, these features are likely to remain in beta for some time, indicating that a market-ready product is not on the immediate horizon.
Furthermore, a late February report hinted at a HomePod with a screen potentially launching in 2025, though it remains unclear if this device is related to the speculated iPad robot discussed in previous leaks.
Apple rumored to launch AI-powered home device, merging HomePod and Apple TV https://t.co/PqYJv8XYdp pic.twitter.com/P2DdWuKeZY
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Lastly, regarding the Apple TV, the code has revealed references to two unreleased models, AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5. These models are expected to inherit the A15 Bionic chip found in 2022’s versions, which might not suffice for the more robust Apple Intelligence requirements suggested for future models. Thus, the possibility of integrating more powerful chips such as the A17 Pro or later remains a topic of speculation for enhancing Apple Intelligence on these devices.
Key Points:
i. Apple is rumored to be developing a new “HomeAccessory” device, potentially powered by the same chipset as the upcoming iPhone 16 series, suggesting significant improvements in Apple Intelligence capabilities.
ii. This mysterious device, running a variant of tvOS, could possibly feature a touchscreen atop a HomePod, diverging from traditional Apple TV and HomePod products.
iii. Speculation includes the development of a futuristic table-top robot resembling a mobile large iPad display, primarily controlled by voice and enhanced by a more sophisticated Siri.
iv. Upcoming Apple TV models, codenamed AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5, are expected to continue using the A15 Bionic chip, which may not support advanced Apple Intelligence features.
v. Long-term projects hint at a HomePod with a screen planned for 2025 and ongoing improvements to Siri’s AI capabilities, though these developments are likely to remain in beta testing for some time.
Fallon Jacobson – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
