Apple TV’s New tvOS 26 Beta: HomeKit Gets a Make‑over
What Changed?
- HomeKit is no longer the name you’ll see on the screen – it’s been swapped out for Apple Home across every Apple TV model that can get the update.
- AirPlay and other smart‑home features now sit neatly under the Apple Home umbrella.
- This tweak appears across all the menus, so whether you’re using the first‑generation Apple TV or the snazziest newer stuff, the switch is consistent.
Why the Switch?
HomeKit has been Apple’s funny little brand for smart‑home gadgets since 2014. That’s 11 years of tech‑lore, and it’s time for a fresh chapter.
By rebranding everything as Apple Home, the company feels you’ll be less confused about where to tap for lights, locks, and thermostats. Think of it like moving from a cramped cassette player to a fully integrated Spotify app – everything lives in one place.
Could a New Hub Be on the Horizon?
Rumors are swirling that Apple’s cooking up a brand‑new smart‑home hub. If that’s true, a streamlined “Apple Home” label makes sense, because it pulls all the pieces together far more smoothly than the old HomeKit labels did.
Either way, the answer is simple: Apple wants you to feel like you’re controlling your whole home with just a few swipes, not a thousand confusing menu options.
What Should You Do?
- Update your Apple TV to tvOS 26 beta – it’ll automatically reflect the new Apple Home layout.
- Explore the “Apple Home” integration, and check if any devices need re‑pairing.
- Enjoy the cleaner look and feel, and maybe brag to friends that you’re now living in a “smart home” the next step beyond HomeKit.
In short, Apple is just giving HomeKit a makeover, making every touch point feel consistent – and hey, a well‑branded name is always a good home upgrade, right?
Apple Home vs. HomeKit: A Brand Showdown
Right now, the world still sees a lot of mentions of both Apple Home and HomeKit—on software, on Apple’s own website, you name it. The real question is: could the snazzy Apple Home pull the trigger and swoop in to sweep the old HomeKit name out of the way?
Why Switch?
- Apple Home feels more friendly and approachable.
- HomeKit is solid, tech‑savvy, but a little heavier.
Picture it: your smart‑home ecosystem coming together under a single, catchier label. That’s the hope—and the uncertainty—behind the branding flip.
It’s a Branding Tug‑of‑War
Only time will tell who comes out on top. For now, the names stay a bit of a mix, but the future might see Apple Home rise as the new, unforgettable face of the ecosystem.
