Apple appears to be preparing for a major shift in its product strategy, with a range of new devices potentially marking the beginning of a new chapter for the tech giant. While the iPhone has long been Apple’s flagship product, the company seems poised to expand into new and innovative categories that go beyond smartphones.
According to industry insiders, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and renowned supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is working on a diverse array of products, including advanced headsets, smart home devices, and even new wearables. These developments suggest that Apple is exploring new frontiers, with a focus on creating products that may not necessarily mirror the success of its iPhone but could still generate significant revenue.
Apple’s drive to diversify its portfolio follows the company’s decision earlier this year to halt its ambitious plans to develop an electric car. At the same time, its high-end Vision Pro headset, which launched earlier this year at a steep $3,500 price point, has received mixed reviews. Despite these challenges, Apple seems to be focusing on smaller, more incremental wins — products that could replicate the success of the iPad or its wearables division, such as the Apple Watch.
One area of significant interest is Apple’s push into the smart home space. Bloomberg reports that the company is developing a wall-mounted tablet that would act as a central hub for controlling home appliances, utilizing Apple’s advanced AI technology, and integrating with its suite of apps. This device, known internally as the “J490,” could potentially be released as early as March 2024, ahead of a major update to Apple’s artificial intelligence features expected later in the year.
While the smart home market hasn’t yet proven to be a major revenue driver for tech giants, Apple is reportedly eyeing another futuristic device — a tabletop robot equipped with an iPad-like screen and a robotic arm. This ambitious concept has raised eyebrows among analysts, who question both its potential profitability and its likelihood of ever reaching the production stage. Still, Apple’s willingness to experiment with cutting-edge technologies signals its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Another significant area of focus for Apple is augmented reality (AR). According to reports, the company is exploring the development of AR glasses, which could become a major part of its wearables ecosystem in the future. The idea is reminiscent of Meta’s Orion AR glasses, which were unveiled earlier this year, though Apple’s iteration is still far from being ready for mass production.
Industry analysts, including William Kerwin from Morningstar, believe that smart glasses may be Apple’s long-term goal for the eyewear market, positioning the company to dominate the AR space once the technology matures. However, with AR glasses still in the early stages of development, it could be years before Apple releases a finished product.
As Apple continues to refine its product lineup, the company faces significant competition from other tech giants already making strides in these emerging fields. Tim Cook, who has steered Apple for over a decade, will need to navigate these challenges as he leads the company into its next phase.
The upcoming products, including potential new headsets, smart-home devices, and wearables, could play a pivotal role in shaping Apple’s future. While the company’s path forward may not be as clear-cut as its previous iPhone-dominated era, Apple’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to explore uncharted territory could ultimately define the next stage of its legacy.