Listen Here, Apple: Make These 6 Smart Devices ASAP
Apple's latest earnings call revealed some interesting information; while iPhone sales continue to fall, the company is seeing signifcant growth in its smart market of wearables and services. And if recent hires are any indication, Apple is going to continue growing in this market with more unique products in the future! But what will Apple's smart devices look like, and where should the company start first? We have a few ideas. Continue reading to browse 6 Smart Devices Apple Needs to Make ASAP.
A Dedicated Apple Watch for Older Adults (and Children)
The Apple Watch, now on Series 4, has been an unquestionable success. Other smartwatch makers have been forced to back out entirely or reinvent their products in light of the Apple Watch – although competition is expected to increase in the coming years. And so Apple would be wise to capitalize on this success by releasing a new Series. It's time to create other Apple Watches for more specific audiences.
An Apple Watch designed for the elderly is a good example. Apple has already created excellent health monitoring features for the Apple Watch, but a dedicated version for older adults would make a lot of sense. A new (more affordable) series could focus solely on fall detection, heart monitoring, emergency calling and other essential features for older users who enjoy their independence.
We also see the market for smartwatches tailored to kids growing in regions like China, and so an affordable Apple Watch targeted at kids could also be a success. Either way, Apple needs to branch out and capitalize on its current strengths to create a wider variety of devices.
An Apple Smart Display
A smart display is essentially a smart speaker with a touchscreen, which would be a fitting evolution for the HomePod and a great addition to Apple's ecosystem. We've already seen numerous Google Assistant smart displays, and of course the Echo Show, so we know that there's demand for digital assistants that can show answers, as well as verbalize responses to user's questions. Smart displays are also great for casual TV viewing, which could be a useful tie-in to Apple's streaming services. A "HomeScreen" sounds pretty likely when you put all of that together!
A More Advanced HomePod 2
Depending on how you look at it, one could argue that the first HomePod wasn't a success. Its excellent sound came at a high price, and it lacked some of the more advanced functionality of its competitors including Google Home and Echo devices. However, Apple has plenty of room to try again, and this is one smart device that could be very successful on its second try.
Rumors state that the next HomePod will either be a smaller device or a speaker with enhanced compatibility with other smart devices in the home. It's expected to be less expensive and generally more consumer-friendly. This would be an excellent way for Apple to keep progressing with its smart speaker line and develop a stronger presence in American households.
An Apple SoundBar
The HomePod is meant to function largely on its own. However, there's another type of smart speaker that Apple could launch – one explicitly targeted at your entertainment center.
Apple-branded smart soundbars for smart TVs would be a great way for Apple to advance in the entertainment market alongside its new streaming services.
A smart soundbar that works out-of-the-box with Apple TV and includes Siri voice command capabilities would be a great way for Apple to utilize the technology its included in the HomePod.
An Overhauled AirPort Router
Apple no longer sells its AirPort routers, but it may be time to reconsider that position. The AirPort Extreme, for example, was a solid, reliable router (albeit for a niche market of Apple fans). A new smart router that takes advantage of all the latest technology could be even more successful.
A new Apple router could have advanced beamforming technology, deep internet management options and even a few extra tricks like energy monitoring. Honestly, we're surprised that Apple seems to have given up on the router market so easily. An AirPort comeback could be an exciting option for those dedicated to Apple's product ecosystem.
Apple Security Cameras
Apple hasn't dabbled much in security cameras before, but this is a prevalent and highly-desired option for brands investing in smart home devices today. An Apple-branded security camera could be an exciting revelation and a sign that Apple is ready to move into services and smart devices in a big way!
Think how well one or even multiple Apple security cameras would integrate with your iPhone or "Apple HomeScreen," playing live video feeds, sounding alerts and saving intruder photos directly to your Photos app. Let's make it happen, Apple!