Apple’s upcoming home hub will support multiple user profiles and use ambient sensing to help verify who is standing near the device, according to code found in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 update.
The new system appears designed to show Personal Content for different people in the same home, while giving users the option to switch profiles manually through Control Center or the Settings app. Since the home hub is expected to run software similar to tvOS, Apple could use a profile system that feels familiar to Apple TV users.
The code also points to automatic profile switching through cameras and other sensors, which would allow the device to identify who is nearby before showing personal information or responding to certain requests. Previous reports have suggested that the home hub will include cameras and presence sensing for detecting people in a room.
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Several strings found (via macrumors) in the software explain how identity checks could work:
“Sorry, I’m not sure who you are. To access your Personal Content, you’ll need to select yourself in Control Center.”
“Before I can help with that, you’ll need to enable Personal Content. In the Settings app, tap on your name, and turn on Personal Content.”
“I’m not sure who’s speaking. Please come in front of this device and ask again.”
“Sorry, since this device hasn’t seen you in a while, you’ll need to ask again in front of the camera.”
“To access your Personal Content, you’ll need to select yourself in Control Center and temporarily allow ambient sensing to verify your identity.”
The same code also mentions a wall-mounted version of the home hub, supporting reports that Apple plans two models. The second version is expected to sit on a speaker base.
Rumors suggest Apple will use a square 7-inch display with apps, widgets, and a main home screen built around quick controls. Apple could announce the home hub as soon as September.
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