Apple is set to announce two new models of the iPad Pro this week—and there are reports of a new accessory station that may be introduced next year.
Key Details
- “Apple is exploring a stand-alone device that combines an iPad with a speaker hub. The idea is to offer something that users can place on a kitchen counter, in the living room, or on their nightstand,” says Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
- “The company reportedly plans on introducing the capability as soon as next year,” says The Verge.
- Apple is not holding an October event to unveil its newish iPad Pro developments.
- “Rumors suggest that these final two weeks of October will be busy for Apple, with new iPad Pro models, a trio of software releases, and more expected,” says MacRumors.
- “Apple is probably saving its marketing energy for the Reality Pro headset debut next year,” says Gurman.
Why it’s important
Apple is exploring a number of innovative technologies at the moment. As we previously reported, the company announced at its September event that the new models of the iPhone 14 will have access to satellite connectivity. The company is also working on a virtual reality headset and is expanding its consumer finance through Apple Pay.
“The move would mark one of Apple’s most significant pushes into smart-home devices, expanding on its still small foothold in set-top boxes and speakers. It already offers the Apple TV and HomePod, but nothing that rivals the Echo Show from Amazon.com Inc. or Google’s latest efforts,” says Gurman.
The move follows similar announcements by Amazon and Google to create docking accessories for the Fire Tablet and Pixel Tablet.
“Amazon already does something similar with its Fire tablets, as the company lets users place the devices into a charging dock to prop them up like a smart display. Even Google announced a docking accessory for its upcoming Pixel Tablet last week, which is supposed to serve as both a magnetic charging station and speaker,” says The Verge.
“Once the tablet’s in place, it’ll function like a Nest Hub Max, letting you control your smart home through the Home app, as well as interact with Google Assistant. An iPad docking station could work similarly, potentially letting users make calls through FaceTime and gain hands-free control of smart home devices.”
