Leak Confirms Apple's Work On 'Home Accessory'

Code discovered on Apple's backend by MacRumors confirms Apple is indeed working on a long-rumored home accessory in addition to the HomePod and Apple TV.

HomePod G4 Feature
The code references a device with the identifier "HomeAccessory17,1," which is a new identifier category. The name is similar to the ‌HomePod‌'s "AudioAccessory" identifier.

Interestingly, the 17,1 in the identifier name suggests that this device may receive Apple's upcoming A18 chip, which will be used in all four iPhone 16 models later this year. With the A18 chip, the HomeAccessory device would have the power for Apple Intelligence.

The code also indicates that this "home accessory" will be running a software variant of tvOS, much like the ‌HomePod‌. Earlier this year, MacRumors found evidence of Apple's work on homeOS, which could be the firmware running on this device.

On a similar note, the code also references two unreleased ‌Apple TV‌ models with the identifiers AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5. Rumors suggest that an updated ‌Apple TV‌ could launch in 2024.

Apple is expected to announce new iPhones, iPads, and potentially other products in September.

(Thanks Nicolás Alvarez!)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Plus Feature

iPhone 17 'Slim': Everything We Know So Far

Friday July 5, 2024 5:13 am PDT by
In 2025, Apple is expected to discontinue the iPhone "Plus" device in its iPhone 17 lineup to make way for an iPhone "Slim" – although it may not actually be called this when it debuts in the fall of next year. Even though the iPhone 16 series launch is still over two months away, when you consider that we learned about larger displays on the iPhone 16 Pro models way back in May 2023, rumors...
HomePod G4 Feature

Leak Confirms Apple's Work On 'Home Accessory'

Thursday July 4, 2024 9:15 am PDT by
Code discovered on Apple's backend by MacRumors confirms Apple is indeed working on a long-rumored home accessory in addition to the HomePod and Apple TV. The code references a device with the identifier "HomeAccessory17,1," which is a new identifier category. The name is similar to the HomePod's "AudioAccessory" identifier. Interestingly, the 17,1 in the identifier name suggests that...
iPhone 16 Camera Lozenge 2

Apple Leak Confirms Four iPhone 16 Models With Same A18 Chip

Tuesday July 2, 2024 9:48 am PDT by
Code discovered in Apple's backend by Nicolás Alvarez and shared with MacRumors confirms Apple's plans to release four iPhone 16 models this year, and it indicates that the devices will all have the same A-series chip. There are mentions of new model numbers that are not associated with existing iPhones, and that have the numbering scheme Apple uses for its flagship devices. The code...
Netflix Smaller 2

Netflix Starts Booting Subscribers Off Cheapest Basic Ads-Free Plan

Wednesday July 3, 2024 5:25 am PDT by
Netflix is proceeding with its plan to discontinue its cheapest ad-free subscription tier, starting with the UK and Canada, with more countries inevitably to follow. The streaming giant has reportedly begun notifying users via on-screen messages about the last day they can access the service unless they upgrade. One Reddit user shared a notification they had received from the Netflix app,...
m3 macbook pro blue

Amazon and Best Buy Take Up to $500 Off on Latest MacBook Pro Models

Wednesday July 3, 2024 7:14 am PDT by
Amazon and Best Buy have introduced record discounts on the latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models today, taking up to $500 off of standard prices. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon and Best Buy. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Starting with the 14-inch models, the discounts begin with...

Top Rated Comments

turbineseaplane Avatar
3 days ago at 09:31 am
They should make iMacs like that again

It was the best iMac design ever IMO

Loved how you could just finger touch move the screen around/up/down, etc
Score: 32 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mapsdotapp Avatar
3 days ago at 09:45 am

On a similar note, the code also references two unreleased Apple TV models with the identifiers AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5. Rumors suggest that an updated Apple TV could launch in 2024.
Please just put out an Apple TV with an M series chip. Why wouldn't Apple want to compete in the console space?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Icehawk Avatar
3 days ago at 09:26 am
Cool. Parents got an Echo years ago. They don't use it for much, but having something similar that is connected to all their apple stuff would rock, for the right price.

meanwhile, I'm glad to hear references to a new Apple TV. Want one but would rather wait for an updated one.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Cervisia Avatar
3 days ago at 09:49 am
So.. an ipad with a stand, but welded together? What am I missing?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Premium1 Avatar
3 days ago at 10:25 am
Wish they would make a soundbar with built in ATV. could cut down on all the needed "devices" and could put a beefier chip to run AI as well as future proof it.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CJM Avatar
3 days ago at 10:38 am

They should make iMacs like that again

It was the best iMac design ever IMO

Loved how you could just finger touch move the screen around/up/down, etc
They’d charge you £1000 just for the hinge.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)