Apple’s long-awaited HomePad may work more like an Apple Watch for the home than a traditional smart display, according to new code found in the latest macOS Tahoe 26.7 beta.
The software has already revealed references to several unreleased Apple home products, including a new HomePod mini, a possible home security camera, an updated Apple TV remote, and multiple versions of Apple’s rumored smart home hub. Now, additional findings suggest how the HomePad’s interface could work.
According to code discoveries reported by Engadget’s Filipe Espósito, Apple’s upcoming home device is expected to run a version of tvOS, similar to the HomePod. However, the user interface appears to be built around something closer to Apple Watch-style faces.
References in the software reportedly point to Faces and a Face Gallery, suggesting users may be able to choose between different home screen layouts, similar to how Apple Watch users can switch between watch faces.
These HomePad faces are expected to support widgets, allowing users to quickly view information such as the weather, calendar events, reminders, music controls, smart home accessories, and other glanceable information from across Apple’s ecosystem.
The code also suggests Apple may bring Smart Stacks to the device, allowing different widgets to appear throughout the day depending on context. That could make the HomePad feel more personal and useful, showing morning routines, calendar information, music controls, or smart home shortcuts when they are most relevant.
One of the more interesting details found in the software points to a privacy feature that would only show personal information when the user’s iPhone is nearby. That could allow the HomePad to display private widgets, reminders, or calendar details only when it knows the correct person is in the room.
Apple is rumored to be developing two versions of the HomePad. One model is expected to sit on a speaker-style base, similar to a HomePod with a display, while another version could be designed to mount on a wall as a fixed smart home control panel.
The device is expected to act as a central hub for controlling HomeKit accessories, using Siri, making FaceTime calls, viewing widgets, and accessing Apple Intelligence features around the home.
The latest findings add to growing evidence that Apple is preparing a much broader smart home push. Alongside the HomePad, recent code has pointed to a refreshed HomePod mini, a possible Apple-made security camera, and an updated Apple TV remote likely intended for a next-generation Apple TV 4K.