In August 2026, the developer and enthusiast community conducted a massive dive into the code of the macOS Tahoe beta version. Analysis of system files revealed the presence of dozens of unannounced Apple devices, marking one of the biggest leaks in the company's history. The data points to a radical expansion of the ecosystem, including not only familiar smartphones and laptops but also entirely new categories of gadgets, such as a foldable iPhone and a smart home hub.
Revolution in Audio and Smart Home: AirPods with Camera and Home Hub
One of the most intriguing discoveries was the confirmation of the development of AirPods with video recording capabilities. Identifiers for model B790 were found in the code, along with specific error messages related to video streaming ("start image stream failed"). This confirms rumors that Apple plans to release standalone headphones with a camera as early as autumn 2026. Simultaneously, identifiers for AirPods Pro 4 (AirPodsPro1,4) and two new Beats models (B518 and B522) were discovered.
A significant volume of code is dedicated to the smart home ecosystem. The existence of an internal name for a new smart home operating system—homeOS (previously known as Pebble)—has been confirmed. A new Home Hub with codes J490 (desktop version) and J491 (wall-mounted version) will run on it. The code also mentions an updated HomePod mini 2 (B525), which will receive a new "Argentium" component, and a smart camera J229 with alarm sound recognition functionality.
iPhone Ultra and the Evolution of the Smartphone Lineup
The most anticipated innovation in the mobile segment is the confirmation of the development of Apple's first foldable smartphone. In the code, it appears under the codename iPhone Ultra (identifier V68). According to system timelines, the release of this device is scheduled for September 2026, coinciding with the traditional iPhone lineup update cycle. Additionally, identifiers for iPhone 18, 18 Pro, and 18 Pro Max (V67, V63, V64 respectively) have been confirmed.
Special attention is drawn to the mention of the iPhone Air 2 model (V62). If the first version was an ultra-thin experiment, the second generation of this smartphone, according to leaks, is scheduled for release only in the spring of 2027. This indicates that Apple views the "Air" lineup as a separate, less frequent update cycle.
Computers of the Future: M6 Chips and OLED Displays
In the computer segment, macOS Tahoe revealed plans for a MacBook Pro update. The base 14-inch model with code J804 is expected to receive the latest M6 chip by the end of 2026. Furthermore, identifiers K114c, K114s, K116c, and K116s were recorded in the code, which, according to analysts, belong to future premium laptops with OLED screens. This will be an important step in the competition with rivals already using organic matrix technology in their flagships.
The development of the next-generation iPad mini (J510 and J511) has also been confirmed, which will feature an OLED display and a powerful A19 Pro processor. Accessories also made it to the update list: a new Apple TV remote (ATVRemote1,5) and a new Vision Pro headset (N109).
Apple Intelligence in China: New Rules of the Game
A separate block of system notifications in macOS Tahoe indicates a planned launch of Apple Intelligence tools in the Chinese market. However, this launch will be accompanied by strict restrictions. Writing Tools will receive a rigid content filtering system and automatic blocking algorithms upon detection of topics sensitive to local regulators. This decision highlights the complexity of adapting Apple's global products to the requirements of local markets.
