Apple's Siri Smart Display Leaked

Apple is reportedly nearing the launch of its smart display, codenamed J490, a device that has been rumored since 2022. Currently, employees are extensively testing the device in their homes, signaling an imminent release. This new entry into the smart display market is designed to directly challenge competitors like Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub.

The J490 is anticipated to feature a design similar to the Echo Show, possibly with a stand or wall-mountable option, and will boast pervasive Wi-Fi, an advanced display, and integrated cameras and microphones. A key rumored feature is its use of facial recognition to identify users, allowing for personalized content delivery, including apps, calendar events, news, and media. The user interface is described as a blend of iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, designed to sync with an iPhone for setup and various tasks.

Central to the device's functionality will be Siri AI, enhanced with capabilities from iOS 27, enabling cross-device and cross-account information lookup. Users will be able to ask Siri to play specific music or podcasts, find images, or manage tasks within apps like Calendar and Notes. Although initially expected earlier, the device's release was reportedly delayed due to issues with Apple Intelligence, but recent leaks suggest a potential launch later this year.

Separately, Apple has reportedly halted development on a dedicated stylus for the iPhone Duo. The company encountered technical difficulties before mass production, leading to a pivot towards supporting the existing iPad Apple Pencil, with full support planned by the end of 2026.