Clues in iOS 18.6 Beta Hint at Apple’s Long-Awaited Smart Home Display

Apple’s rumored smart home display—sometimes referred to as the “homeOS” device—is showing fresh signs of life in the latest iOS 18.6 beta, giving new hope to those waiting for Apple’s answer to Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show.

The Discovery: What’s Inside iOS 18.6

Spotted by 9to5Mac, a new asset file tucked away in the beta is raising eyebrows. The file path:

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/ProgressUI.framework/apple-logo-1088@2x~home.png

The suffix ~home is a smoking gun—it’s how Apple typically tags assets associated with homeOS, the unreleased smart home platform that's been in stealth development for years. This comes just weeks after fresh homeOS trademark activity suggested the project is far from dead.

What the File Tells Us About the Display

The filename contains the number 1088, and paired with the @2x tag, it suggests a screen resolution of 2176 pixels wide. That’s just slightly lower than the iPad mini’s 2266-pixel width.

This lines up with Bloomberg’s earlier report, which pegged Apple’s smart home display at 7 inches. That resolution and screen size combo would result in a lower pixel density than an iPad—perfectly reasonable for a display meant to sit across the room, not in your hand.

Internal Testing & Delays

Apple has reportedly been testing homeOS builds on the iPad mini, and this new finding supports the idea that the company is adapting existing hardware to prototype the experience. But while the UI work continues, the actual product is still on hold, mainly due to complex Siri upgrades required for the device’s deeper intelligence.

Unfortunately, those Siri enhancements have now been pushed back to 2026, per recent leaks, meaning the smart home display is likely delayed as well.

What to Expect from Apple's Smart Home Display

When it does eventually launch, expect features like:

• Always-on smart display interface (weather, calendar, camera feeds)

• HomeKit and Matter control hub

• Advanced Siri voice assistant

• Likely FaceTime or intercom capabilities

• Potential Apple Music and tvOS-like interface crossover

And possibly more, if Apple wants to position it as a centerpiece in the connected home.

No Launch Timeline—But Development Is Ongoing

There’s still no firm timeline, but the beta file proves one thing: Apple’s smart home display isn’t dead—it’s just not ready yet. With hardware hints showing up in software builds and active homeOS trademarks, Apple seems to be laying the groundwork now for a possible 2026 release, aligned with the broader Apple Intelligence roadmap.

Stay tuned—the Apple smart home hub may be quiet, but it’s very much alive.