Apple is rumored to be working on a new smart home device powered by Apple Intelligence technology. According to a report by MacRumors, code found on Apple’s backend hints at the development of a smart speaker with a built-in display, potentially setting it apart from existing products like the HomePod and Apple TV.
Speculation has been circulating for some time about Apple’s foray into the smart home market, and this latest discovery adds fuel to the fire. The code references a mysterious device with the identifier HomeAccessory17,1, a departure from the typical nomenclature associated with Apple’s devices. This suggests that the tech giant may be venturing into a new product category altogether.
What sets this rumored smart home accessory apart is its potential use of the Apple A18 chipset, a detail hinted at by the code’s 17,1 identifier. This chipset would enable the device to leverage Apple Intelligence, the company’s cutting-edge AI platform that requires at least an A17 Pro chipset to operate efficiently.
Further details from the backend code point to the device running a software variant of Apple’s tvOS, similar to the HomePod, with the firmware likely named homeOS. Additionally, the code reveals identifiers for two upcoming Apple TV models, labeled AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5, suggesting that Apple may have more than one product in the pipeline.
If these rumors hold true, Apple’s entry into the smart home market could shake up the industry, offering consumers a unique blend of intelligent features and sleek design. While details remain scarce, the potential for a smart home device with Apple Intelligence at its core is sure to generate excitement among tech enthusiasts and Apple loyalists alike.
