Apple appears to be preparing a new smart-home hub that could bring a distinctly Apple Watch-inspired experience to the living room. Recent discoveries in the macOS 26.7 release candidate point to a device internally referred to as “HomeAccessory,” believed to be the long-rumored HomePad or Home Hub.According to Roman Loyola’s reporting, the software could feature customizable “Faces,” a Face Gallery and widgets that borrow heavily from watchOS. The device is also expected to use a variant of tvOS, although its interface could be substantially different from the Apple TV experience.About The AuthorHey there, i am a technology enthusiast with a deep passion for gadgets, consumer electronics, emerging technologies, and the fast-paced world of digital innovation. Constantly exploring the latest tech trends, product launches, and industry developments, I enjoy translating complex technological advancements into engaging and accessible stories for readers. My interests span smartphones, wearables, artificial intelligence, smart devices, and the broader technology ecosystem. As I begin my journey as a Tech Journalist at Gadgets Now, I am excited to contribute to a platform that informs millions of readers, combining my passion for technology with storytelling to deliver insightful, accurate, and timely tech coverage.The development suggests Apple wants its smart-home hub to be glanceable, personalized and tightly connected to the company’s wider ecosystem.HomePad’s UI Could Borrow From Apple WatchThe strongest clue about the HomePad’s interface comes from references found in Apple’s macOS 26.7 release candidate. Roman Loyola reports that the software contains references to “Faces” and a “Face Gallery,” terminology strongly associated with the Apple Watch experience. Separate reporting has also pointed to a Widget Gallery and Smart Stacks, which could make the HomePad more useful as an always-visible household dashboard. The design would allow information to be surfaced without opening individual apps, much as complications and widgets work on the Watch.Potential UI featureHow it could workFacesCustomizable home-screen designs inspired by Apple Watch facesFace GalleryA collection of selectable visual layoutsWidgetsQuick access to information and smart-home controlsSmart StacksContextual widgets that change according to what is usefuliPhone widgetsInformation from a nearby iPhone could appear on the hubThe most intriguing possibility is proximity-based personalization. Reports say the HomePad could detect when an iPhone is nearby and display information from that phone through widgets. That could make the screen feel less like a conventional smart display and more like a shared household computer that adapts to whoever is using it. Apple’s existing Home app already organizes controls for lighting, security, climate, cameras and other accessories, providing a foundation for such a dashboard.Apple Could Run a Variant of tvOSThe HomePad is reportedly not simply an Apple TV with a touchscreen attached. Instead, it could run a new operating system based on tvOS while introducing interface elements from watchOS and iOS.Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reports that the device could blend a speaker into a HomePod-like shell, overlaying it with approximately a 7-inch screen that displays apps, widgets, icons and customizable clock faces.It makes sense to use tvOS, already Apple’s platform of choice for home-related functions and entertainment on the living room television, but smart displays need to present glanceable information from different distances and have touch friendly controls.More articles by AuthorTrending StoriesThat explains why Apple could retain tvOS underneath while significantly altering its visual layer.The result could be a hybrid platform rather than a straightforward extension of Apple TV. The reported interface would also support features including FaceTime, home-security monitoring, HomeKit accessory management, photos, calendars, music and intercom functions.HomePad Could Become Apple’s Smart-Home Control CenterApple's goal for a dedicated HomePad could potentially be centered on it serving as the central interface for its smart home accessories. HomePods and Apple TV currently serve as home hubs, managing accessories and automations from afar, and the inclusion of a physical display screen could significantly amplify user engagement with these features.The HomePad might thus straddle the boundaries of an Apple Watch, an iPad, and an Apple TV. Rather than requiring users to consult their iPhones, glance up at an on-wall or surface-level smart display would make camera feeds, smart-light control, appointment management, and inter-room voice communication much more readily available.Reports indicate that Apple could offer both tabletop and wall-mounted versions and expects users to potentially install multiple units around the house. The company is also reportedly developing additional smart-home products, including a security camera and refreshed HomePod and Apple TV models.Apple Watch-Style Interface Could MatterThe Apple Watch is a great comparison in that respect. As an interface, that is based around quickly glancing at information rather than lengthy engagement, HomePad in a kitchen, bedroom or hallway would operate under exactly the same premise – provide the info you require instantly without needing to tap through a menu.A custom face would mean it always serves some purpose throughout the day – and widgets could bring you dynamic information like weather, appointments, smart house devices, security and much more.Apple has not officially confirmed the HomePad, its final software name or its launch specifications. For now, the evidence comes from software references and reporting, meaning the interface could change before release. Still, the clues suggest Apple may be building something more ambitious than a screened HomePod: a personalized smart-home command center designed around the glanceable simplicity that made the Apple Watch successful. FAQsWhat is the HomePad and what features will it offer?The HomePad is Apple's upcoming smart-home hub, which is expected to feature customizable interfaces inspired by the Apple Watch, including 'Faces,' a Face Gallery, and widgets for quick access to information and smart-home controls. It will run a variant of tvOS and is designed to serve as a central command center for Apple's smart-home ecosystem.How will the HomePad's interface differ from Apple TV?While the HomePad is based on tvOS, its interface will be significantly different from the Apple TV experience. The HomePad will emphasize glanceable information, customizable controls, and a touch-friendly design, making it a more personalized and accessible smart display for household management.What are the expected uses of the HomePad in a smart home?The HomePad is anticipated to function as a central control hub, allowing users to monitor home security, control lighting, view calendars, and interact with other devices, all without reaching for an iPhone. It aims to provide immediate, glanceable information similar to the functionality of the Apple Watch.end of article