Apple May Borrow Pixel’s Ideas for Its Own Smart Hub Competitor

Aamir Siddiqui / Android Authority
In Brief
- Apple’s anticipated smart home display might be unveiled as soon as next month.
- The device is expected to feature a unique home interface, widgets, clock displays, and will utilize Siri AI extensively.
- It is also likely to include facial recognition technology similar to what has been available on Google Pixel phones since the Pixel 8.
Speculation regarding Apple’s smart display has been ongoing for several years. Recent reports revealed that the company is working on two models, known internally as J490 and J491. New information suggests that Apple is considering incorporating advanced security features inspired by Google’s Pixel devices.
As mentioned by a prominent industry analyst, Apple is currently testing this new smart home display with employees. The device is expected to include Wi-Fi capabilities, a high-quality display, and integrated cameras and microphones. It’s said to feature a user-friendly interface that blends elements from iOS, tvOS, and watchOS.
The product will feature its own widgets, a dedicated home screen, and customizable clock faces. Siri AI is expected to play a significant role, assisting users in retrieving information across different devices and performing tasks within apps like Notes and Reminders.
A standout aspect of the smart display will be its facial recognition technology. Reports indicate that the device will use its camera to recognize users and display tailored content accordingly.
This feature is comparable to Google’s Nest Hub Max, which utilizes facial recognition to customize the information displayed based on who is viewing the screen. This ensures that each family member can securely access their personal calendars and notes on a shared device.

The facial recognition system for Apple’s smart display is expected to utilize machine learning for user identification, similar to the secure biometric systems seen in Google’s Pixel series since the Pixel 8, rather than relying on advanced Face ID sensors.
Furthermore, it has been suggested that Apple may adopt this facial recognition technology to implement face unlock functionality in the iPhone Duo. The front-facing camera on the Duo’s cover display could effectively support this feature, while the under-display camera on the inner screen may present challenges due to its lower quality.
There is a possibility that Apple could officially launch its smart home display next month.
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