Apple Smart Home Display Rumored to Feature Retro iMac G4 Design
- Apple’s new smart display might just bring a classic iMac look to your kitchen counter.
- Rumor has it, this tiny screen packs HomePod speakers and a throwback design twist.
- Imagine an iMac G4… but as a smart home hub. You’ll want this one.
Apple’s long-anticipated smart home display may soon bring a nostalgic twist to households with a design that echoes the beloved iMac G4. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, this innovative, low-cost display could launch next year, bearing a base reminiscent of the iconic “lampshade” iMac, which has been a favorite for over two decades.
Photo via MacRumors // Pictured: The Apple iMac G4 from 22 years ago.
Key Details
- Design: The device will reportedly have a small, square screen angled on top of a hemispherical base, mirroring the round-bottom look of the iMac G4. Gurman describes it as a "small square display" intended to add a nostalgic touch to Apple's modern smart home offerings.
- Functionality: While details on features remain limited, Gurman suggests it could come equipped with speakers, effectively serving as a HomePod with a display. This positions it as a potential competitor to Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub.
- Size and Affordability: With its compact form factor, “about the size of two iPhones side-by-side,” Apple aims to keep costs down. The intention, according to Gurman, is to make the display affordable enough to allow multiple units to be placed around the home.
Beyond the Basics: Future Smart Home Expansion
Gurman also hints at another, more advanced smart home display that could arrive in 2026. This higher-end model, potentially priced around $1,000, would come with a robotic arm capable of tracking users as they move through a room, though this more sophisticated model won’t hit shelves anytime soon.
For those looking to streamline smart home functionality, Gurman suggests the base model might support Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI-powered features lacking in Apple’s current smart devices. It’s expected that this upcoming model will also include popular iPad apps like FaceTime, Notes, and Calendar, giving users access to key apps without the need for a full iPad.
Photo via Macworld // Another angle showcasing Apple's legendary 22 year old iMac G4 design.
A Look Back (And Forward)
As Gurman puts it, the new design pays homage to the “circular bottom of the iMac G4 from a couple of decades ago.” Tech journalist Alyse Stanley agrees, noting that the design "might make it an instant hit with Apple enthusiasts."
This new design isn’t just about aesthetics; it underscores Apple’s strategy to differentiate itself in the crowded smart home market with products that feel both innovative and familiar.
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