The latest beta version of tvOS 18 is causing a stir: code for a hidden, touchscreen-enabled user interface has been discovered in it. This discovery fits perfectly with the rumors that have been circulating for months about a new Apple home accessory, including a HomePod with a display.
The world of technology is constantly changing, and Apple always stays at the forefront of innovation. With the launch of tvOS 18 beta and the hints it contains about new devices, Apple seems to be taking another big step towards the future.
Hidden touchscreen UI in tvOS 18 Beta
In the recent beta version of tvOS 18 available to developers, a new hidden interface suitable for touchscreens was discovered. This new interface, internally referred to as "PlasterBoard", provides some of the core user interface elements for the system. Similar to the iOS system shell "SpringBoard", "PlasterBoard" offers features specifically designed for touchscreens.
How was the user interface discovered?
The existence of the new interface was confirmed by the code of tvOS 18 Beta 3. 9to5Mac found that the PlasterBoard UI, for example, has a lock screen with a passcode keyboard that is very similar to the one on the iPhone and iPad. This discovery shows that Apple may be planning to adapt tvOS for devices with touchscreens.
What does this mean for Apple TV?
The new interface strongly suggests that it is designed for touchscreens rather than regular Apple TV devices. There is no option to lock Apple TV with a password, indicating that the new interface is intended for more personal devices. This could mean that Apple plans to adapt tvOS for a new category of products that have a touchscreen.
HomePod with display: The rumors are getting stronger
Last week, backend code revealed the existence of an unpublished “HomeAccessory17,1” device uncovered. There are currently no Apple products under this label, but it is similar to the "AudioAccessory" label used for HomePods. This new device is expected to run tvOS and be based on a yet-to-be-announced A18 chip.
What do we know about the new device?
There have been rumors for some time that Apple is working on various versions of the HomePod with a screen. According to other sources, Apple employees are internally testing tvOS on the iPad mini to see how the system looks and behaves on an 8-inch screen. A report from Bloomberg revealed that Apple is experimenting with a device that combines Apple TV and HomePod with a built-in camera, similar to the Amazon Echo Show.
The future of tvOS and HomePod
At this point, it's pretty certain that Apple is working on a new HomePod with a screen, running a modified version of tvOS for touchscreens. This would give users more freedom to interact with the device without relying on Siri, and offer the ability to watch videos directly on it.
Exciting revelations: touchscreen interface and HomePod rumors
The discovery of the touchscreen-enabled user interface in the tvOS 18 beta version and the rumors of a new HomePod with a display point to exciting developments at Apple. It remains to be seen when and how Apple will introduce these new products. What is certain, however, is that the technology industry is eagerly awaiting Apple's next steps. Stay tuned to not miss any news! (Photo by Unsplash / Przemyslaw Marczynski)
