HomePad code suggests it’ll act like a giant Apple Watch

The latest macOS 26.7 beta appears to have revealed quite a lot about a number of upcoming Apple home products. It includes references to a new HomePod mini, a security camera, a next-generation Siri remote for a new Apple TV 4K – and the long-anticipated HomePad product.

A deeper dive into the code also appears to provide significant clues about what we can expect from the HomePad …

Engadget’s Filipe Espósito found indications that although it’s likely to run a variant of tvOS, it may work rather more like a giant Apple Watch.

Perhaps the most interesting part is about the interface – or at least what to expect from it. Like other HomePods, this new model with a display is likely to run a variant of tvOS. The interface will be quite different, though. The code reveals that its home screen will feature “Faces” and a “Face Gallery.” Think of them like Apple Watch faces, but bigger. These faces appear to be customizable with different widgets and even Smart Stacks, so you’ll see different widgets throughout the day.

The code also points to a cool privacy feature: it will only display your personal information in the widgets if it detects that your iPhone is nearby.

We’re expecting two variants of the HomePad, one with a speaker base which may look like a HomePod, and another intended to be wall-mounted.

In addition to the other Apple Home products I mentioned above, there are also references to additional unknown devices. I’m very much hoping that this will include a smart doorbell. Is there any potential Apple Home product that particularly excites you? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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