Details on the A18 Power in the Leaked Apple "HomePad" Smart Home Hub

Leaked iOS 26 code indicates that a square-screen hub and J229 camera device will be central to Apple's 2026 smart home initiative.

Stephanie Keith/ Getty Images

Apple's anticipated smart home hub, commonly referred to as the HomePad, is emerging in leaked iOS 26 code as a square-screen amalgamation of the iPad and HomePod, intended to serve as the focal point of the home.

The smartphone, designated as J490, is said to be equipped with an A18 chip, including a 7-inch-class display and an ultra-wide 1080p front camera that facilitates Centre Stage for hands-free FaceTime. Face ID and on-device Apple Intelligence are integral to the concept, allowing the hub to identify individuals in the room, instantly swap profiles, and utilise an enhanced Siri for more natural voice control.

The leaked code additionally alludes to a second product, J229, an accessory equipped with several sensors, alarm-sound detection, and picture capture, which industry analysts characterise as Apple’s inaugural smart security camera rather than merely another iteration of the HomePod.

Both gadgets are internally designated for a spring 2026 release associated with iOS 26.4 and the introduction of the new Siri architecture, indicating a synchronised Smart Home 2.0 initiative for Apple following years of HomeKit trailing competitors. The HomePad-style hub and J229 camera would establish a visual command centre and integrated security hardware within Apple’s ecosystem, enabling Cupertino to directly compete with Amazon Echo Show, Google Nest Hub, and Ring in terms of privacy, design, and seamless operating system integration.