Apple Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) latest push into AI-powered smart homes has drawn mixed reactions from tech investors and industry watchers, with Ross Gerber questioning the need for another display and Mark Gurman raising concerns about pricing strategy.
Ross Gerber Rejects Apple’s HomeView Smart Display
Apple on Tuesday unveiled a new lineup of smart home products, led by HomeView, a $299 smart display designed to connect household devices and personalize its Siri assistant for up to six people.
The device, which ships next month, lets users manage connected products, including cameras and smart locks.
Apple also announced updates to its HomePod smart speaker and Apple TV devices, along with accessories such as doorbells, cameras and thermostats developed with Apple’s input by LG and Schneider Electric.
However, Gerber, CEO of Gerber Kawasaki, was unimpressed by the HomeView announcement.
“Thanks but not thanks Apple. Last thing I want in my home…. Another screen?” Gerber wrote on X.
Mark Gurman Questions Apple TV Pricing
Bloomberg columnist Gurman offered a more favorable assessment of HomeView’s price, describing the $299 starting point as “solid” and “reasonable all things considered.”
He similarly viewed the second-generation HomePod mini’s $149 price as reasonable. However, Gurman criticized the reported $299 price for Apple TV, calling it “a huge stretch.”
Apple Faces Competition In AI-Powered Smart Homes
Apple’s launch comes as it seeks to expand its presence in the connected home market, where Amazon.com, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Echo speakers and Ring doorbells already compete for consumers.
Alphabet Inc.’s (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google and emerging AI companies, including OpenAI, also pose competitive challenges as artificial intelligence moves beyond chatbots into everyday devices.
Futurum Equities chief market strategist Shay Boloor said Apple’s strategy centers on using its hardware ecosystem and privacy positioning to keep Siri at the heart of the home as Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), Google and Amazon introduce their own AI assistants.
Price Action: Apple shares closed up 0.088% at $341.27 on Tuesday and slipped 0.27% to $340.35 in after-hours trading, according to Benzinga Pro.
According to Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings, Apple ranks in the 97th percentile for Quality, with positive price trends across the short, medium and long term.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Adrian Tusar on Shutterstock.com
Recent Comments