Allegedly, Apple has been working on some sort of new smart home device for quite some time; in early July, a device labeled “Home Accessory” was discovered in the back-end code, suggesting a new Apple product with an A18 chip It was suggested to be the iPhone 16 and is now included in the iPhone 16 lineup

In a new leak, unnamed sources have given 9to5Mac associates details about this potential iPad/Apple TV/HomePod

According to the source, the “Home Accessory” device is Apple's new smart home product, codenamed J490 It will likely feature the A18 chip, but it is not specified whether it will have the base A18 or the more powerful A18 Pro found in the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max The A18 is a chip that allows the smart home accessory to perform Apple Intelligence functionality, but this too has not been specified

Some rumors suggest that this mysterious smart home device could feature an iPad-like display, automatically making it one of the best smart displays available

However, sources told 9to5Mac that in its “current state,” Home Accessory has a square display The display features a customizable lock screen with multiple clock dials, which is now available on Apple TV thanks to the new tVOS 18 update

They also claim the product will feature a built-in camera with FaceTime capabilities and other video chatting apps

The camera will be used for gesture control It “identifies” the user standing in front of the camera and enables personal requests This is similar to how the current HomePod can identify distinct voices for the same function

HomeAccessory runs apps, plays media independently, and acts as an AirPlay receiver

We have no information on what brand name this potential Home Accessory might be Most of the rumors so far suggest that this will be the next generation HomePod device, but Apple may change the branding

Would it be enough to make our Best Smart Home Devices list, according to 9to5Mac's sources, we will have to wait until spring 2025 to see this device