In short: It seems the long-running rumors that Apple is engaged on a brand new system that primarily combines the HomePod and the Apple TV are true. Code has been found suggesting the product is within the works, and it may assist Apple Intelligence.
A code reference on Apple’s backend, found by MacRumors, makes use of the identifier “HomeAccessory17,1” – a brand new identifier, one which bears a resemblance to the HomePod’s “AudioAccessory” identify.
The system itself is believed to characteristic a speaker and an LCD display, designed to compete with Amazon’s Echo Present sensible shows and the Google Nest collection.
The “17,1” a part of the identifier identify could possibly be a sign that the brand new system will obtain Apple’s upcoming A18 chip, which is able to energy all 4 iPhone 16 fashions launched this yr. Utilizing Apple’s newest chip would imply that the sensible show would be capable to run Apple Intelligence.
The system is anticipated to run a model of tvOS. It may work on the rumored homeOS, a mixture of tvOS and HomePod software program.
The code additionally makes a reference to 2 unreleased Apple TV fashions, AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5. Rumors declare that an up to date Apple TV may launch in 2024.
The sensible system will possible give customers management over HomeKit, amongst different issues, appearing as a sensible residence hub – very similar to Google Nest.
The inclusion of Apple Intelligence is fascinating. Apple introduced at WWDC that its Apple Intelligence options can be arriving in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall. OpenAI’s GPT-4o LLM will energy a few of the AI duties, together with the choice to make use of ChatGPT to assist Siri reply person queries – a lot to the annoyance of Elon Musk. The brand new sensible system may also ask customers in the event that they wish to seek the advice of ChatGPT to reply a query.
Again in Might, there have been experiences that Amazon is contemplating launching a paid model of Alexa this yr that may characteristic the newest generative AI tech.
Assuming there actually is a brand new sensible system coming from Apple, anticipate it to be unveiled in September, when Cupertino seems set to point out off the brand new iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and extra.