Leaked code spills details of mystery Apple smart home accessory

Macworld

We’ve been tracking rumors about Apple’s push into the smart home market for years, but we’ve yet to see anything come to fruition beyond a new Home app architecture. That may be about to change very soon.

Corroborating previous rumors, leaked internal Apple code seen by Macworld provides further evidence that the company is developing a smart home hub (which some are calling the “HomePad”) along with another mysterious accessory.

Apple’s long-rumored ‘HomePad’ could be imminent

Rumors about Apple’s smart home hub are nothing new. In fact, multiple sources have already pointed out that the product will have a square-shaped display and a built-in speaker, something of a mix between an iPad and a HomePod.

To corroborate the existence of this product inside the labs in Cupertino, legitimate Apple code for an internal pre-release build of iOS 26 seen by Macworld also references “J490,” the same code number previously attached to the rumored “HomePad” device. The hub is said to be powered by Apple’s A18 chip and includes a front-facing ultra-wide camera with Center Stage.

Users will likely be able to make FaceTime calls right from the device without needing an iPhone or iPad nearby. The ultra-wide front camera seems to be limited to 1080p video, just like the camera on most iPads and Macs.




Apple’s so-called “HomePad” will be a rival to devices like Amazon’s Echo Hub.Michael Brown/Foundry

More interestingly, the built-in camera doesn’t appear to be designed solely for video calls. The device will reportedly also have Face ID and will use facial biometrics not only for authentication but also to identify who is in the room.

This should enable a true multi-user experience in shared homes, with HomePad automatically switching between different profiles depending on who is interacting with the device. Macworld also saw an app used by engineers to test the accuracy of this system on the HomePad.

In addition, thanks to the A18 chip, the device has flags that indicate support for Apple Intelligence, including the long-awaited, more advanced Siri with natural conversation. The “J490” device is labeled as a 2026 device internally and has previously been rumored for a spring release.

A new kind of Apple home accessory

The HomePad might not be the only new smart home product from Apple coming next year. Also spotted in the internal code are references to a never-before-seen product identified as “J229.”

Little is known about this product so far, but the build code suggests that it has multiple sensors. Interestingly, it can also detect alarm sounds (just like the HomePod), capture images (so it probably has a built-in camera), and is identified as an accessory, not a standalone device.




Apple’s last standalone camera was the iSight for the Mac.Christopher Phin

Based on recent rumors, there are two rumored products that could fit into this category: Apple’s home security camera or doorbell.

According to Bloomberg, Apple has been actively developing both products, although the doorbell is reportedly still years away from launch, which makes the security camera the leading suspect for J229. It’s unclear what the device will look like, but imagine how cool it would be if this camera were inspired by the design of Apple’s classic iSight webcam.

Internally, support for this device is being targeted for spring 2026 with iOS 26.4. There are also rumors that the HomePad will be announced around the same time, so it would make sense for Apple to combine the announcement of both its smart hub with this smart security camera.

Macworld also reported on Apple’s plans for a next-generation Studio Display and new iPad models.