Apple Signals Expansion into New Smart Home Devices
Evidence within the latest iOS beta suggests Apple is actively developing new first-party smart home accessories beyond the Apple TV and HomePod, potentially signaling a broader push into the competitive smart home market.
Code discovered in the iOS 26.2 beta, which became available yesterday, includes a new system flag within the Home app labeled “isFirstPartyAccessory.” Currently, only Apple TV and HomePod devices are designated as first-party accessories. This new flag indicates Apple is preparing to support additional, uniquely branded devices. Rumors have centered on a HomePod with an integrated screen, but the code suggests a wider range of products, including possibilities like security cameras and doorbells.
Reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have previously indicated Apple’s intention to expand its smart home offerings, with a particular focus on a home security camera. This camera is expected to integrate seamlessly with the existing Apple ecosystem, offering users enhanced security and convenience. A deeper integration with Apple’s services could further lock consumers into its hardware and software offerings. More information about Apple’s HomeKit framework can be found on Apple’s developer website.
While the discovery of this code doesn’t guarantee a product launch, it aligns with industry speculation and Apple’s stated ambitions in the smart home space. The iOS 26.2 update is slated for public release in December, but the new hardware is not anticipated to arrive until at least spring 2026, according to The Verge. Apple has not yet commented on the findings.
Apple’s smart-home lineup is currently limited to Apple TV and HomePod, but according to rumors, the company plans to explore this segment even further with a new iPad-like hub and an array of accessories. While Apple itself hasn’t confirmed the news, the first beta of iOS 26.2 gives a clue as to what’s next when it comes to Apple’s smart home accessories.
iOS 26.2 beta code discovered by Macworld corroborates that Apple does indeed have plans to introduce a new product category relatively soon – or at least that the company has been exploring the idea. Code strings related to the Home app, which is used to manage HomeKit devices, now include references to a new system flag labeled “isFirstPartyAccessory.”
For reference, current home accessories that can also be considered first-party already have their own flag in the Home app. These are “isApple TV” and “isHomePod.” Other HomeKit devices are internally identified as third-party accessories.
Rumors are swirling that Apple will release a new HomePod with a built-in screen. However, the “isFirstPartyAccessory” flag suggests that Apple is working on support for new types of accessories designed by Apple that don’t fit into either the Apple TV or HomePod categories, such as cameras and doorbells.
Apple’s own security camera
In recent months, multiple reliable sources, including Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, have reported Apple’s plans to further explore the smart home segment, starting with the launch of a home security camera. There are not many details about the design or features, except that it would integrate deeply with the Apple ecosystem.
If true, this camera would surely fit as a first-party accessory in the Home app.
Bloomberg previously reported that this new camera is expected to be announced sometime in 2026. The fact that iOS 26.2 beta includes references to this new type of home accessory suggests that Apple is indeed preparing the ecosystem for new hardware coming soon.
While Apple’s plans may change and an internal system flag doesn’t guarantee that the company will actually launch new products, the discovery is in line with all the latest rumors about Apple’s next moves in the smart home segment.
iOS 26.2 is expected to be released to the public in December, but we don’t expect this new accessory to arrive until at least spring 2026.
