A recent leak has confirmed that Apple is actively developing a new home accessory, possibly a display like the Amazon Echo Show, according to a report by MacRumors on July 4.
The leak reveals that the company is in the advanced stages of creating a smart home accessory designed to integrate seamlessly with its existing ecosystem, and while specific details about the device are limited, it is expected to enhance home automation and connectivity, which is where theories of a display fit into the equation.
According to MacRumors, code was discovered in Apple’s backend that references a device with the identifier “HomeAccessory17,1,” which is a new identifier category. The name is similar to the ‌HomePod‌’s “AudioAccessory” identifier.
Apple could also be working on a new Apple TV model, MacRumors reports.
Interestingly, the 17,1 in the identifier name suggests that this device may receive Apple’s upcoming A18 chip, which will be used in all four iPhone 16 models later this year. With the A18 chip, the HomeAccessory device would have the power for Apple Intelligence.
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Download your copy now!The code also indicates that this “home accessory” will be running a software variant of tvOS, much like the ‌HomePod‌. Earlier this year, MacRumors found evidence of Apple’s work on homeOS, which could be the firmware running on this device.
On a similar note, the code also references two unreleased ‌Apple TV‌ models with the identifiers AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5. Rumors suggest that an updated ‌Apple TV‌ could launch in 2024.
Further details about Apple’s new smart home accessory are anticipated as development progresses, and we may get more information when Apple releases new iPhones and iPads this fall.
This follows similar reporting from February about a new Apple smart home platform, homeOS. References were found in the developer version of tvOS 17.4, indicating a potential overhaul of Apple’s smart home strategy. This was later followed by FCC filings by Apple that included the presence of Thread radios in several Apple products, furthering the theory.
Apple is also reportedly working on a new smart home display to compete with devices like the Echo Show, Meta Portal, and Google Nest Hub. The platform’s details are still unclear, and more information might be released with upcoming Apple software updates.
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