New code references found in macOS Tahoe describe how the rumored HomeHub will work. If you've got an Apple Watch, you'll feel right at home.
Apple has been rumored for years to be making what has variously been known as a HomeHub, a HomePad, or just a HomePod with a screen. Now in the midst of many future products seemingly revealed in a macOS release, there is evidence of how the device will function.
The code specifically says that the device will have a home screen that features what are called "Faces" and a "Face Gallery". It sounds similar to the Apple Watch, and users will be able to select widgets to go on these faces like Complications.
Those widgets will include Smart Stacks, as seen on both the Apple Watch and iPhone. So the device will display different widgets, different information, on its screen throughout the day.
That is definitely how an Apple Watch works, and of course the Apple Watch is currently the only device that refers to "Faces." Yet the larger HomePod screen might more resemble how iPhones, iPads, and Macs all have widgets already.
There are actually countless widgets that have been made for the iPhone, and it looks as if they may be used on this new device. That would be similar to how iPhone widgets can now be displayed on a Mac.
Significantly, the code implies that there will be a layer of privacy over what will be displayed. An Apple Watch or an iPhone already know the correct user is using them, because of passcodes or Face ID, but a HomePod with screen would not.
Except it appears this device will check for an iPhone being nearby. If one is, the screen will display data for that specific user.
The majority of the code details refer to the user interface like this. But there is one further section that appears to be concerned with the physical design of the device.
As first spotted by Engadget, the code references include "HomeAccessory" and "HomeAccessory_wall."
So the new device, whatever its final name is, will presumably be wall-mountable.
When it will launch
If there were ever doubts that this product is coming, they are now over. Although note that Apple has cancelled devices before, such as the AirPower charging stand, and the Apple Car.
The presence of these code references means that Apple is testing the device. Unfortunately, it doesn't necessarily mean much more than that.
However, the most recent rumors about a HomeHub have claimed that it will now launch in fall 2026. That fits in with Apple have been testing the device, and it also aligns with how it's been claimed the device was only waiting for the launch of the improved Siri.
The new Siri AI is to be launched officially alongside the full release of iOS 27, which is expected to be announced at the iPhone 18 Pro launch.
