iOS 18.6 developer beta code has unearthed names and assets that strongly confirm ongoing development of a display-centric product designed to run on Apple’s forthcoming “homeOS,” 9to5Mac is reporting.
Among the files in the latest beta lies a curious image asset named apple-logo-1088@2x~home.png. The ~home suffix points to its association with “homeOS,” not the typical iOS user interface. The “1088” indicates the width in pixels at a 2× scale, suggesting a screen resolution of approximately 2,176 px—similar in pixel width to the iPad mini.
This discovery strongly corroborates earlier 9to5Mac and MacRumors reports describing a compact square display in the 6–8-inch range powered by the A18 chip.
Earlier rumors hint at built-in speakers, FaceTime camera, intercom features, and potential gesture-control. Its versatile positioning—from kitchen counters to bedside walls—echoes leaked designs like the “HomeAccessory” and J490.
Apple reportedly planned a spring 2025 release, but delays in Siri personalization and AI enhancements have stalled the rollout. Ming‑Chi Kuo estimates mass production in Q3 or Q4 2025, while a higher-end robotic-arm version—code-named J595—may arrive in 2026.
When launched, this device is expected to:
Apple has long lacked a true smart-display offering, relying on HomePods and Apple TV to bridge that gap. With Amazon and Google dominating the smart-display market, Apple’s device fills a missing piece and capitalizes on growing demand for touch-screen home automation.
By embedding AI and advanced Siri features, the device could become a centralized hub—managing HomeKit devices, handling calls, showing visual information, and even serving as a security or intercom station.
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