Apple is working on a new home device in addition to HomePod to compete with products like Amazon Echo Show. This is reported by MacRumors, which was able to obtain a code confirming this information.
The new reports are in line with previous rumors that the company is preparing a new smart home device with a built-in screen.
The code found by the publication revealed that the device in the new category is identified as HomeAccessory17,1. For comparison, the HomePod was labeled as an AudioAccessory in the company's code.
It is reported that the 17.1 in the name may indicate the use of the A18 chip, which Apple will use in the upcoming iPhone 16. This processor will allow the new device to receive a set of Apple Intelligence features.
In addition, the code also helped to reveal that the new device, like the HomePod, will use a certain variation of the tvOS operating system. In particular, it was previously reported that the company is also working on the homeOS operating system, which may be used in the new device.
Among other things, the code also mentions two new Apple TV models - 14.4 and 14.5. According to preliminary rumors, the new models may also be released in 2024, perhaps even presented during the traditional presentation in September, where the new iPhone 16 will also be shown.