Apple's next Home product is hidden in iOS 26.2 Apfelpatient

Hints have surfaced in the current iOS 26.2 beta that suggest a new smart home device from Apple. Code strings within the system point to an accessory that is incompatible with existing products like Apple TV or HomePod. This strengthens the indications that Apple intends to expand its smart home portfolio soon – possibly with its own hardware that goes beyond what is currently available in the Apple ecosystem.

Apple has been carefully expanding its smart home offerings for years. While Google and Amazon have long offered a wide range of products with their Nest and Alexa platforms, Apple has so far focused on two core devices: HomePod and Apple TV. Both serve as control centers for HomeKit and the Matter ecosystem. However, with iOS 26.2, Apple now appears to be laying the foundation for a new product category. Discovered code hints point to the next step – a smart home device developed directly by Apple itself, which could significantly expand the Apple Home universe.

A new system flag is causing speculation.

A new system flag called "isFirstPartyAccessory" was discovered in the iOS 26.2 beta by Macworld . Existing flags like "isAppleTV" and "isHomePod" identify Apple's well-known smart home devices. However, this new entry is an anomaly, as it cannot be associated with any current product. Such hidden clues often appear months before the release of new hardware and are a typical indication that Apple is already working on software support for upcoming devices.

The discovery reveals that Apple is internally experimenting with a new type of smart home accessory. Whether and when this will become a market-ready product remains to be seen – but such flags are rarely accidental. They typically mark early development stages that later transition into official hardware integrations.

Indications of a smart display or camera

At the same time, rumors are intensifying that Apple is working on a smart home display and a security camera. These devices would complement the existing HomePod and Apple TV setup. Speculation about a HomePod with a screen has been circulating for some time, but the new code entry in iOS 26.2 suggests a more independent concept.

Analysts suspect that Apple is working on a device that could serve not only as a hub, but also as a central control unit for Apple Home – featuring a display, camera, and possibly sensors for temperature, motion, or air quality. A video doorbell or multi-sensor accessory would also be conceivable. This would significantly expand Apple's presence in the smart home sector and reduce its reliance on third-party providers.

Possible timeline for iOS 26.2 and new hardware

Apple traditionally releases major iOS versions annually. Based on past cycles, iOS 26.2 is expected to be released to all users in December. New smart home hardware would then follow no earlier than spring 2026 – either at an Apple event or as part of a silent HomeKit update.

Apple has a history of integrating the necessary software foundations months before product announcements. For example, older iOS versions received early hints about upcoming devices that were later unveiled. However, not all internal tests result in actual products. Apple regularly discards concepts that never make it to market. Nevertheless, the current timing aligns with Apple's increased focus on the smart home segment and the integration of the Matter standard, which enables cross-device compatibility.

Strategic importance for Apple Home

Should Apple actually launch its own smart home device, it would be a significant step. It would be the first major hardware innovation in this area since the HomePod mini. This would deepen Apple's commitment to the smart home market and simultaneously focus more on its own solutions, instead of relying solely on partner devices.

Such a product would expand Apple's existing strategy and strengthen its position against Google and Amazon. Both competitors already offer displays, cameras, and comprehensive smart home systems. Apple could score points here with a focus on data privacy, security, and seamless integration. The combination of the Home app, Siri, and Apple TV would create a unified, closed system that offers clear added value through user-friendliness.

What the code clues reveal – and what they don't.

Despite the clear discovery in iOS 26.2, it remains unclear how far development has progressed. There are currently no regulatory filings, production leaks, or approval documents indicating a concrete market launch. The "isFirstPartyAccessory" flag could therefore just as easily point to an internal project or a prototype that will never be released.

However, there are increasing signs that Apple is intensifying its smart home plans. The company has been investing for years in the further development of the Matter standard and in closer integration between iOS, the Home app, and HomeKit devices. The discovery in iOS 26.2 fits perfectly with this long-term strategy.

A quiet reboot for Apple's smart home strategy

Apple's approach to the smart home sector has been characterized by restraint so far. But that could change with the next big step. A dedicated smart display or camera would meaningfully complement the existing ecosystem and open up new possibilities for automation, security, and communication.

The goal seems clear: a fully integrated, secure, and intuitive smart home system built from the ground up on Apple's design and privacy principles. Should the new accessory actually be released, it would mark the beginning of a new phase for Apple Home—one in which software and hardware become even more closely integrated.

The code in iOS 26.2 could thus be seen in retrospect as the moment when Apple's smart home offensive quietly began – inconspicuously hidden in the system, but with the potential to change the entire smart home landscape. (Image: Shutterstock / Stock 4you)