iOS 17 will bring a boatload of new additions and changes to the table for enhanced customization and communication. The platform also comes with a new StandBy Mode which will transform your iPhone into a smart display, Since the build rests in the beta phase, it is not clear if the entire list of compatible iPhone models will receive the feature. A new report suggests that Apple is working on a new external monitor for Mac that will house smart home capabilities, potentially similar to the StandBy Mode in iOS 17.
Apple's upcoming external display could come with an even more powerful A-series chip for smart home capabilities running at low power
Mark Gurman notes in his latest Power On newsletter that Apple is working on an external monitor with smart home capabilities. The smart home display will run on low power mode so it can be accessible at all times. This is not the only display that the company is working on as it is currently testing multiple options, including the second-gen variants of the Studio Display as well as the Pro Display XDR.
The external display with smart home features will be powered by an A-series chip similar to the Studio DIsplay, The Studio Display features an A13 Bionic chip that caters to the Center Stage and speaker features. The A13 Bionic chip is plenty powerful to handle the tasks assigned. However, the rumored external display could house an even more powerful chip to cater to smart home features. If the display is launched sometime later this year, we suspect it will house an A15 Bionic chip. However, these are mere speculations at this stage, and the final word rests with Apple.
As mentioned earlier, Apple will launch iOS 17 later this year with the new StandBy feature on compatible iPhone models. While the feature works on most newer models, Apple says that it will take advantage of the iPhone 14 Pro's Always-On display. Henceforth, we presume there will be some differences in iPhone models with an Always-On display compared to others.
If Apple's plans include StandBy-like smart home features for the external display running on low power mode, we suspect the company could incorporate a dedicated layer on the screen for low power consumption. It could display time and widgets on the screen similar to iOS. However, it remains to be seen if it will run a toned-down version of iOS or if it would come with a dedicated operating system like 'HomeOS' for instance. Nonetheless, Gurman expects the external display to arrive by 2024.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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