**Apple Smart Home Devices Leaked: What We Know About The Upcoming Apple HomePod Mini, Smart Hub, and More**
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Recent leaks concerning Apple’s upcoming hardware have provided a tantalizing glimpse into the company’s future product roadmap. A software build for MacOS, specifically the release of MacOS Tahoe 26.7 to developers, contained internal hardware identifiers that confirmed long-rumored devices. This information points to Apple’s active development of a new generation of smart home accessories and consumer electronics, many of which are slated for a potential launch in the near future. The revelation suggests Apple has been working diligently on smart home upgrades that will integrate with its existing ecosystem. The leak included references to a new smart home hub, a next-generation HomePod mini, and even camera-equipped AirPods, painting a picture of a more interconnected Apple living room. We expect Apple’s product launch event to take place within the next four weeks.
**ZDNET’s key takeaways**
* Ten devices, including a new HomePod mini and security camera, were accidentally leaked.
* An Apple smart home display, rumored for years, also appears in the leak.
* We expect Apple’s product launch event to take place within the next four weeks.
The information came via a software build for MacOS and included references to unreleased Apple hardware, confirming that the company has been working on multiple smart home upgrades rumored for release over the next year. The data revealed a list of codenames for products ranging from the iPhone 18 lineup to a future Vision headset.
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Many of the products are ones we expected and were already pretty certain would launch during Apple’s September iPhone event. These include the iPhone 18 lineup, a foldable iPhone, and upcoming iPads and Macs, likely to be released in early 2027. However, it also included multiple smart home devices, camera-equipped AirPods, and a future Vision headset.
**Which Apple Devices Were Leaked?**
Here’s a full list of the unreleased products included in the software build:
* **J490/J491 Home Hub:** Appears to be Apple’s upcoming smart-home hub with a screen, often referred to as the “HomePad” by the media.
* **B525 HomePod mini:** A new version of the popular compact speaker, distinguishable from the current HomePod mini (code name B520).
* **J229 Smart home accessory:** Likely an Apple Home security camera.
* **V62, V63, V64, V67, and V68 iPhone 18 lineup:** A list of unreleased iPhones, including the expected foldable model.
* **B790 AirPods with camera:** Camera-equipped AirPods, presumably designed to work alongside Apple’s Visual Intelligence features.
* **N109:** A future Vision headset.
There were also additional identifiers associated with upcoming iPads and Macs.
**What We Expect From the Apple Smart Home**
On the smart home side, we see references to a smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and an Apple Home device that appears to be a security camera. A smart home device also references its availability in finishes like Space Gray, Silver, Starlight, and Rose Pink.
We’ve been reporting on a new smart home display from Apple for years, and a recent accidental product leak suggests it’s closer than many believe. The addition of the new Siri, powered by generative AI and expected this fall, will elevate the Apple smart home experience to compete with the most popular assistants from Amazon and Google.
According to multiple rumors, the new smart home hub will be a square display that may come in several finishes. One version may feature only the 7-inch display, while another may include a speaker base. The display could launch this October or in early 2027, and the price is expected to be around $350.
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Apple removed the iPad’s ability to double as a smart home hub a few years ago. Making old iPads double as smart displays could have been a great opportunity for Apple for years to come, especially after adding smarter features to its operating systems, like Standby Mode. But there is hope, as Apple has integrated Thread radios on newer MacBooks and other devices, signaling a possible expansion of its smart home focus.
I fear Apple may overprice its smart display and that, similar to what happened with the Vision Pro, the display will get relegated to the recesses of consumer minds, lingering there as a cool device that most Apple users wouldn’t actually buy. Apple likes to consider itself a maker of premium devices, but it’d do well to remember that the people using their smartphones also represent the average consumer — who’s unlikely to pay between $300-$500 for a smart home display.
If Apple is looking to sell millions of smart display units, it should consider compromising on some features to achieve a lower price and successfully compete with Google’s older $100 Nest Hub, Amazon’s $180 Echo Show 8, and $180 Echo Hub.
**What Advantages Does the Apple Smart Home Have Over Competitors?**
Apple’s smart home platform has a leg up on the competition in many categories that may bring loyal users around to the idea of a smart home hub.
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iPhone users comprise the majority of smartphone market share in the US, which makes it easier for Apple to leverage brand trust and ecosystem lock-in. Like the rest of the company’s current hardware lineup, a new Apple smart home device would integrate seamlessly with existing Apple products, which simplifies the fragmented smart home space for users.
Many consumers also appreciate Apple’s privacy-first branding, which is a big differentiator from other smart home giants like Google and Amazon.
**How Was This Information Leaked?**
Leaks like these don’t happen often. Apple is not one to accidentally (or “accidentally on purpose”) release information about devices before their hardware events.
The information came to light when Apple released MacOS Tahoe 26.7 to developers earlier this week. The operating system featured internal hardware identifiers, code names, and feature flags that essentially tell MacOS which hardware it supports and what it runs on.
These hardware leaks are not uncommon in software build releases, but Apple is notoriously careful to obscure any revealing references that might point to unreleased devices.
However, just because devices are referenced in a software build doesn’t mean that they are guaranteed to be released, what Apple will name them, or when they will launch. This leak only indicates that these hardware projects either exist or existed at some point.
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### FAQ Section
**Q: What is the “HomePad” referenced in the leak?**
A: The “HomePad” is the media term for Apple’s upcoming smart home hub, which is expected to be a square display with a screen. It is rumored to be a central controller for the Apple smart home, running a new version of Siri with generative AI capabilities.
**Q: When can I expect to see these new Apple devices on the market?**
A: Based on the leak and current rumors, Apple is expected to hold a product launch event within the next four weeks. While some devices like the iPhone 18 are scheduled for a later 2027 release, the smart home hub and HomePod mini could launch this fall or in early 2027.
**Q: Will the new HomePod mini have a camera?**
A: No, the leak distinguishes the new B525 HomePod mini as a speaker unit. The device with camera capabilities is a separate smart home security accessory (J229), not the HomePod mini itself.
**Q: What is the significance of the code names like J490 or V62?**
A: These code names are internal identifiers used by Apple during the development and manufacturing process. Their appearance in a software build means that the associated hardware exists in some form, whether as a prototype, a development kit, or a final product ready for release.
**Q: Why is Apple’s smart home strategy important?**
A: Apple’s entry into the smart home hub market is significant due to its massive ecosystem. With a large base of iPhone users and a reputation for privacy and seamless integration, Apple has the potential to make smart home technology more accessible and user-friendly for the average consumer, challenging established players like Amazon and Google.
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### Conclusion
The recent leak of internal Apple hardware identifiers has provided the tech world with a detailed look at the company’s upcoming product plans. Beyond the next-generation iPhone foldable, the most exciting developments are in the smart home space. Apple appears to be preparing a multi-pronged attack with a new smart home hub (“HomePad”), a second-generation HomePod mini, and connected security hardware. While the pressure is on for Apple to compete on price and features against established smart home displays, the company’s strong brand loyalty, ecosystem integration, and focus on privacy give it a unique advantage. As we move closer to a potential launch event, all eyes will be on Cupertino to see if it can successfully execute its vision for an Apple-controlled smart home future.
