Apple is actively developing a revamped Apple TV set-top box, aiming to transform it into the central hub of a future smart home experience. This potential iteration could bring gesture-based controls for a remote-free experience alongside a built-in camera for FaceTime calls.

A new report from Bloomberg suggests the next Apple TV might be equipped with a video camera, paving the way for a new mode of user interaction. With the proposed system, users could navigate menus, control playback, and interact with on-screen content through simple hand gestures without requiring a physical remote.

Apple is also actively developing a comprehensive smart home strategy, aiming to seamlessly integrate various devices and appliances within a unified ecosystem. While glimpses of this vision exist with HomeKit, a fully realized smart home experience from Apple is still under development.

Additionally, the report reiterates Apple’s work on a portable smart home display. This device, envisioned as a more affordable iPad variant, would prioritize portability for easy movement throughout the home. Docking stations placed strategically could provide charging and potentially unlock additional functionalities. Apple has reportedly begun a limited test production of display panels for this potential product, with a potential release aimed for next year at the earliest.

Adding to the overall development of the smart home experience, Apple is reportedly exploring home robots as a potential future product line. This includes a mobile robot that follows users around and a table-top robotic display that adjusts its position based on the user’s head movements during video calls. While both these projects are in early stages and their release is uncertain, Apple sees them as a way to leverage its investments in AI and increase its presence in users’ homes.