Apple’s long-awaited ‘HomeAccessory’ could have square display, A18 chip for AI, more

1 month ago 15

tvOS 17 references HomePod screen iPad concept

We’ve been hearing multiple rumors about Apple working on a new home accessory that combines capabilities of an iPad, Apple TV, and HomePod. A few months ago, references to a “HomeAccessory” were found in Apple’s backend code. Now 9to5Mac has learned more details about this new device.

What to expect from Apple’s new HomeAccessory device

According to reliable sources familiar with the matter, the leaked “HomeAccessory” is indeed Apple’s new smart home accessory. Codenamed J490, the device will be powered by the A18 chip, presumably to support Apple Intelligence features (which won’t be available on current HomePods).

Interestingly, sources told us that the HomeAccessory in its current state has a squarish display, rather than a rectangular format like an iPad. It’s unclear whether the square aspect ratio will make it into the final product. HomeAccessory also has a built-in camera that works for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps.

We also learned that the device uses the camera to identify hand gestures from a distance, which could be useful for controlling it in the kitchen, for example. The camera can even identify the user in front of the device to enable Personal Requests, similar to how HomePod identifies different voices to enable such requests.

Just like an Apple TV, the HomeAccessory can run apps and play media on its own, but it will also work as an AirPlay receiver. The system features a customizable Lock Screen with multiple clock faces similar to those added to Apple TV with tvOS 18. 9to5Mac previously found a new touchscreen-ready Lock Screen hidden in the tvOS beta.

Whether Apple will call this device “HomePod” or whether it will have a new marketing name is unclear. Our sources say that Apple is targeting the launch of this new product for the spring of 2025, but plans may still change.