Apple HomeKit has all the time lagged behind Alexa and Google Assistant, notably missing a sensible show just like that of the Echo Present 15 or the Nest Hub. Rumors recommend that the corporate’s subsequent gadget would possibly rectify that. MacRumors reported code present in Apple’s backend that referenced one thing referred to as HomeAccessory17,1. That may not look like a lot to go on till you understand that HomePod is equally named AudioAccessory.
There are nonetheless too few particulars to make any definitive conclusions, however we will enterprise an informed guess that the upcoming machine could be powered by the A18 chip and have AI-focused options. Apple already has plans to integrate OpenAI and Siri. Including AI-powered intelligence into a sensible residence system would doubtlessly give it never-before-seen performance — maybe much more than what Alexa can at the moment provide, though Google Assistant’s use of Gemini may stage the enjoying subject.
The code additionally hinted that the HomeAccessory — most likely not the ultimate title of the product — would run on a model of tvOS. If true, then this new gadget could be a chimera-like construct of the iPad and HomePod. It’s hypothesis, but it surely would possibly look just like the Google Pixel Tablet.
Different rumors recommend the following HomeKit machine may comprise a digital camera for consumer identification and gesture recognition. Once more, take all of this with a grain of salt — none of it has been confirmed but, but it surely’s thrilling to see new developments in a sensible residence platform that has largely been underrepresented.
With confirmed modifications coming to HomeKit in iOS 18 like enhanced visitor controls and robotic vacuum assist, HomeKit would possibly lastly be getting the eye it wants.
