Apple Smart Home Hub to Feature iMac G4-Style Design

Apple's upcoming smart home hub is set to feature a design reminiscent of the iMac G4 from 2002, according to reports by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device will have a square 6-inch display, with options for countertop placement or wall mounting. The hub boasts a single FaceTime camera on its front, accompanied by microphones and speakers in its connected base.

The device's thickness is comparable to that of an iPhone, and it is surrounded by a quarter-inch black bezel, evoking the look of older iPads. Notably, the hub does not have a battery and requires constant plugging in for power. It lacks volume and power buttons, and comes in Apple's standard gray aluminum finish, powered via a USB-C port.

The screen is mounted above a metal, round base adorned with perforated speaker holes and connected through a polished metal arm. Users can adjust the display's position manually, both forward and backward. The standard version resembles the iMac G4 with its large display on a half-dome-shaped base, while an alternative version, code-named J491, is designed for wall mounting with a thin, square-shaped base beneath the display.

Apple envisions users placing multiple hubs throughout their homes for various purposes, such as controlling smart home devices, making video calls, playing audio, and displaying photos. The hub will also function as an information center for the kitchen, capable of showing videos, looking up recipes with voice commands, and recognizing users for personalized content.

The device will identify users through voice or facial recognition, with a secondary authentication method via iPhone available if needed. In low-light conditions, a Mac-style Edge Light feature will illuminate the surrounding area to assist the camera in recognizing users. The interface will integrate elements from the Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPad, featuring Siri AI with a consistent dark visual style.

Users can customize the device with iPhone-style widgets, rearrange apps, and personalize wallpapers. The device will include commonly used apps like Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music, and Podcasts, with a Home Screen similar to iPad-style interfaces.