Followers of the Apple TV {hardware} nonetheless have to attend for an improve, and in case you suppose you’re getting a TV field that may help Apple Intelligence, you would possibly need to put together for a possible letdown. Whereas rumors say Apple goes to launch an Apple TV mannequin this yr, one that would at all times rock a chip able to Apple AI, it’s unclear whether or not any of that can occur.
Extra fascinating is a discovery in code that signifies Apple is engaged on a “HomeAccessory” gadget which may run on the identical chipset because the iPhone 16 sequence. These chips are absolutely going to run Apple Intelligence higher than something earlier than them. And we had loads of rumors just lately that appeared to substantiate the existence of the A18 and A18 Professional chips.
The rumored House Accent product isn’t essentially a HomePod. It’s actually not an Apple TV. Apparently, it seems to run a variant of tvOS. Are we an iPad-like residence robotic that may observe you across the residence or desk? In all probability not.
In accordance with MacRumors, Apple is engaged on a “HomeAccessory17,1” gadget. The identify is just like the AudioAccessory identifier that Apple has used earlier than.
The thrilling element within the new codename is the “17,1” quantity. That’s the anticipated codename for the A18 chips coming to the iPhone this yr. Leaks already confirmed Apple could be engaged on 5 iPhones with A18 chips, prompting me to take a position that the iPhone SE 4 might get one and Apple Intelligence together with it.
The weblog says the software program is a variant of tvOS, just like the HomePod. Rumors earlier this yr stated that Apple could be engaged on a HomePod with a touchscreen display on the prime. This looks like the more than likely gadget to get that new House Accent moniker.
So, what’s the deal with Apple robots? Nicely, Mark Gurman supplied this tidbit in a report that preceded the WWDC occasion:
Equally, a Siri revamp that’s underway could possibly be on the core of Apple’s future table-top robotic, which is actually a big iPad show that may transfer round to imitate the pinnacle motions of a human. That gadget will probably be primarily managed by voice — and having a extra exact and complicated model of Siri will probably be invaluable.
A big iPad robotic for the house or desk could be an much more thrilling growth for this House Accent gadget. However that appears unlikely in the meanwhile. That gadget would in all probability must run a model of iOS moderately than tvOS.
Additionally, Siri could be getting thrilling AI powers by way of iOS 18. Nevertheless it received’t occur anytime quickly, and the Siri AI expertise will nonetheless be labeled a beta. Any iPad robotic product would in all probability not be prepared for market within the close to future.
I’ll additionally level out a late February report from Gurman that talked about a HomePod with a screen product that’s coming in 2025. It’s unclear if this gadget is definitely the iPad robotic he talked about final month. Possibly it’s a precursor?
Alternatively, a HomePod with a round touchscreen on prime, able to help Apple Intelligence could be potential.
Again to the code findings, the weblog mentions two unreleased Apple TV fashions noticed in the identical code. That’s AppleTV14,4 and AppleTV14,5. These codenames recommend the 2024 Apple TV would possibly get the identical A15 Bionic chip because the 2022 fashions. And that iPhone chip isn’t good for Apple Intelligence. You want an A17 Professional or later to get Apple’s AI on iPhones.
