Apple’s next move in the smart home race may be closer than expected. Code found in a pre-release build of iOS 26 points to a new device in development called the HomePad—a hybrid that blends the screen-first convenience of an iPad with the room-filling sound and voice control of a HomePod.
Internally referenced as J490, the HomePad appears to be designed as a central hub for Apple’s expanding smart home ecosystem. The code hints at a surprisingly powerful setup for a device in this category. It’s reportedly built around the A18 chip, suggesting fast, responsive performance and plenty of headroom for on-device intelligence.
A standout feature is a front-facing ultra-wide camera that supports Apple’s Center Stage, which uses machine learning to track subjects and keep them framed during video calls. The camera is listed with 1080p video support, and the device is expected to enable FaceTime calls directly from the screen—turning the HomePad into a hands-free, always-ready communication device for the kitchen, living room, or home office. Face ID appears to be onboard as well, pointing to secure, effortless authentication for calls, profiles, and potentially smart home controls.
The arrival of a HomePad would fit neatly into Apple’s broader smart home ambitions. Earlier reports have outlined a wider lineup of connected devices in development and a plan to establish manufacturing in Vietnam in partnership with BYD. The pipeline reportedly includes:
– A smart home hub with a 7-inch screen to control connected devices and act as a central command center
– Indoor security cameras
– A tabletop AI robot capable of mobility via multiple motors and sensors, currently targeting a 2027 launch
If these plans hold, Apple is positioning itself to deliver a seamless, privacy-focused alternative to existing smart displays and home hubs. With powerful hardware, built-in video calling, secure authentication, and deep integration across services, the HomePad could become the anchor of Apple’s next-generation smart home strategy.
As always with pre-release code, details can change before anything is officially announced. But the signals are strong: Apple is gearing up to push deeper into the smart home, and HomePad looks like the device designed to lead the way.
