Apple’s anticipated Home Hub may feature a display similar to that of the iPad.
New leaks suggest that Apple’s smart home display is in the works, with findings from the developer beta of iOS 18.6.
Rumors indicate that Apple is developing hardware for smart home functions, and expectations are building for a Home Hub launch sooner than anticipated, thanks to a recent leak.
Assets found in the initial iOS 18.6 developer beta, reported on Tuesday by 9to5Mac, might provide insight into the upcoming device. A file named “apple-logo-1088@2x~home.png” has surfaced, potentially hinting at the new product.
The term “Home” in the file name is believed to relate to homeOS, the long-awaited smart home platform that was expected to debut at WWDC 2025 but may now be set for a 2026 release.
This file directory contains multiple Apple logo variations sized for different screens. With a reference to 1088 in the filename and a 2x scale factor, the display could measure around 2,176 pixels wide.
While this doesn’t directly determine screen size, it aligns with dimensions similar to the iPad mini, suggesting the Home Hub could feature a comparable display.
The existence of this file indicates that Apple is actively exploring smart home solutions and is likely testing hardware. However, a launch announcement isn’t imminent, although it appears closer to reality.
This isn’t the first instance of Apple hardware surfacing in software leaks; references to AirPods Pro 3 were found in the iOS 26 beta on June 10.
Home Hub Buzz
Speculation about Apple’s Home Hub has focused on a smart home controller featuring an iPad-like display, potentially incorporating aspects of the HomePod. Running on the unreleased homeOS, it aims to serve as a central hub for managing smart devices, similar to a dedicated hardware version of the Home app on iOS.
Potential features include enhanced Apple Intelligence, an A18 chip with at least 8GB of memory, and built-in camera and microphone capabilities. It is expected to support connectivity through Thread and Matter standards for seamless integration with smart home devices.
Previous reports suggested a late 2025 introduction for the Home Hub; however, timelines have shifted, with a potential launch now anticipated in early 2026.