119: Apple’s Mysterious Home Accessory
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the latest rumors surrounding Apple's "Home Accessory" product, which could launch as soon as next year. Apple's work on an iPad-like smart home display product has been reported for over a year. It is expected to serve as a smart home hub with features adopted from the iPad, HomePod, and the Apple TV, such as video playback and AirPlay. Apple's backend code suggests it will feature the A18 chip and run a variant of tvOS like the HomePod, and Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says it will support Apple Intelligence and run Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home, with an interface "optimized for controlling home appliances and quickly seeing information." The latest rumors suggest that it could have a "squarish display" to distinguish it from the iPad, along with a built-in camera for FaceTime, detecting hand gestures, and determining different users for personalized requests. The new device could launch as soon as next year. The MacRumors Show has its own YouTube channel, so make sure you're subscribed to keep up with new episodes and clips: