Apple's Next Smart-Home Gadget Is Already Hiding in iOS 26.2

Apple's next smart-home gadget is already hiding in iOS 26.2

Code strings in the latest iOS 26.2 beta suggest Apple is preparing a new first-party smart-home accessory to expand the Apple Home ecosystem beyond the Apple TV and HomePod.Apple could release a display for the smart homeLurking in iOS 26.2, there is a system flag labeled "isFirstPartyAccessory." Existing smart-home devices use flags like "isAppleTV" and "isHomePod," but this new entry doesn't match any current product.That difference suggests …

Hidden iOS 26.2 code points to mystery Apple smart home accessory

Macworld Apple’s smart-home lineup is currently limited to Apple TV and HomePod, but according to rumors, the company plans to explore this segment even further with a new iPad-like hub and an array of accessories. While Apple itself hasn’t confirmed the news, the first beta of iOS 26.2 gives a clue as to what’s next when it comes to Apple’s smart home accessories. iOS 26.2 beta code discovered by Macworld corroborates that Apple does indeed ha…