Apple (AAPL) is reportedly planning to launch a new round of smart home devices powered by artificial intelligence (A.I.).
Media reports say the new products will include an iPad-like device meant to hang on walls or be placed on tabletops. All the devices are meant to showcase Apple’s A.I.-enabled Siri digital assistant.
Each Siri-powered device will help users control household items such as doorbells, thermostats, and locks.
Apple is also expected to release an upgraded HomePod smart speaker and new Apple TV.
Analysts say Apple is looking to gain ground in the market for smart home devices and better compete against rivals such as Amazon (AMZN).
In recent years, Amazon has invested heavily in its Echo smart home speaker and Ring doorbell, each of which are also powered by A.I.
Apple first released its Home app to control internet-connected gadgets in 2016, followed by its HomePod smart speaker in 2018.
However, Apple has struggled to gain ground against not only Amazon but also Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google Home speaker.
Analysts say Apple appears more confident now that it has revamped its Siri digital assistant to include A.I., something analysts and investors had been clamouring for from the company.
AAPL stock has risen 38% in the last 12 months to trade at $340.97 U.S. per share.
