December 12, 2025, 12:28 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Apple is reportedly planning to enter a new category for the connected home as early as next year. It has long been known that the company is working on a smart display intended to serve as a central control unit for the smart home. However, a recent leak reveals another product for the first time, which could be a security camera or video doorbell.
New Information on Smart Home Hub
The information is said to come from an internal pre-release version of iOS 26, which “Macworld” was able to review. It initially features a device with the codename J490. This designation has already been mentioned in several leaks and refers to the smart home hub, which could be a mix of an iPad and HomePod.
The device is expected to have a square display and an ultra-wide-angle camera with Center Stage on the front. This would serve not only for video calls but also to recognize individual users and adjust settings accordingly. This seems to be an important aspect of the new homeOS operating system that Apple is also working on. Since multiple users in a household are supposed to have access to the smart display, a multi-user concept is necessary. Recognizing individual people enables the activation of the respective profile.
Also interesting: Apple Could Plan a Major Change for Siri
According to “Macworld,” the resolution is expected to be limited to 1080p—less than the iPhone but on par with Mac and iPad. In addition to the camera, the hub is likely to support Face ID. The hub is reportedly coming with an A18 chip to enable Apple Intelligence. The launch is planned for 2026, but an exact date has not yet been set. Before the device can appear, however, Apple’s advanced Siri must be market-ready, as the voice assistant is supposed to be the interface between the hub and users.
New Accessories with Sensors
In addition to the hub, the code also includes the codename “J229.” According to “Macworld,” this product is classified as an accessory and comes with several sensors. It is supposed to detect alarm sounds and capture images, suggesting an integrated camera.
An earlier report from Bloomberg already mentioned a security camera and a video doorbell that Apple is working on. The latter is said to be years away, so J229 is most likely the security camera.