Overview
- Macworld reports pre-release iOS 26 code referencing a smart-home hub codenamed J490 that pairs an A18 chip with a front-facing ultra‑wide camera supporting Center Stage at 1080p.
- The code suggests users could place FaceTime-style calls directly from the device, while Face ID and facial recognition would enable authentication and multi-user profiles.
- Flags in the software indicate support for Apple Intelligence, pointing to a more capable, conversational Siri experience on the hub.
- A separate accessory labeled J229 appears in the code with multiple sensors, alarm-sound detection and image capture, with Bloomberg reporting a security camera is more likely than a doorbell, which is said to be years away.
- Support for J229 is targeted internally for iOS 26.4 in spring 2026, and coverage also notes a lower-cost wall-mounted variant (J491) and a household-focused OS designed for shared family use.