Apple’s rumored smart display is coming this month, and it could challenge Google’s smart home lead

Credit: Rita El Khoury / Android Authority

TL;DR A new report suggests Apple will launch an iMac G4-inspired smart display (code-named J490 and J491), an upgraded HomePod mini 2, and a faster Apple TV 4K on October 13.

The smart display is said to come with a six-inch square screen featuring dynamic facial and voice user recognition, and an OS combining elements of iPadOS, watchOS, and StandBy mode from iOS.

The new hardware could capitalize on user frustration with Google Home automation bugs and compromises on the Pixel Tablet.

For years, Google and Amazon have dominated the smart home space, with Apple largely sitting on the sidelines. While Apple offered the HomePod and HomePod mini, its lack of a dedicated smart display left Cupertino lagging behind the best smart home ecosystems. Meanwhile, Google has had plenty of runway with the Nest Hub, Nest Hub Max, and its ambitious dockable Pixel Tablet. …