Apple's smart home ambitions are firing up, fueled by the discovery of a hidden touchscreen interface within the latest tvOS 18 beta.

This discovery adds fuel to the fire of rumors surrounding a potential HomePod with a display, hinting at a significant shift in Apple's approach to smart home control.

Unearthed Touchscreen Interface in tvOS 18 Beta

Tech website 9to5Mac unearthed a previously unseen interface codenamed "PlasterBoard" within the tvOS 18 beta 3 for developers. This discovery holds particular significance because the software powering HomePod is derived from tvOS.

PlasterBoard aligns with Apple's internal naming conventions for other interfaces, such as SpringBoard (iOS/iPadOS) and SoundBoard (HomePod).

Currently, the unearthed interface appears limited to a Lock Screen featuring a touch-enabled keyboard for entering passcodes. Notably, neither current Apple TV nor HomePod models offer passcode protection or touch controls.

The design of this interface closely resembles the existing on-screen keyboards found on iPhones and iPads, further suggesting a touchscreen-based device.

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Intriguing Code Points to 'Home Accessory' Device

Adding to the speculation, MacRumors discovered code referencing a previously unknown "Home Accessory" device within the tvOS 18 beta. This device carries the identifier HomeAccessory17,1, which differs from existing HomePod and Apple TV models.

Interestingly, the identifier bears a resemblance to the internal "AudioAccessory" identifier used for the HomePod. Most notably, the numbering suggests this upcoming device might be equipped with the powerful A18 chip, expected to be featured in the iPhone 16 lineup.

Rumors of HomePod with Display Reignited

These code findings, coupled with past rumors, paint a compelling picture. Previous whispers suggested Apple was exploring various avenues for future smart home devices, including:

• Simple HomePod with Touch Display: This could be a first step, offering a standard HomePod with a touch-sensitive LED display on top. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo previously predicted the launch of such a device with a 7-inch display in 2024, and leaked prototype images seem to support this claim.

• Hybrid Apple TV and HomePod Device: A more complex option could combine Apple TV and HomePod functionalities, potentially with a camera for video calls or enhanced home security features.

• HomePod with Integrated Camera and Display: This iteration would create a more interactive and versatile smart home hub experience.

• iPad/HomePod Combo for Centralized Control: The most ambitious rumor suggests a device merging an iPad with HomePod functionalities, functioning as a dedicated smart home command center.

A Glimpse into Apple's Smart Home Future

While the evidence doesn't provide a definitive roadmap, it undeniably sparks excitement about Apple's future smart home strategy. The potential for touchscreen interfaces and a broader range of features suggests a significant expansion beyond the current limitations of Apple TV and HomePod.

While the release date remains a mystery, with rumors pointing towards 2025, these discoveries hint at an exciting new chapter in Apple's smart home offerings.

We can expect a device that offers more intuitive user interaction through a touchscreen, potentially with expanded media consumption capabilities.

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