Apple Leaks Unreleased Devices Weeks Ahead of Annual September Event
A release candidate oversight offers an unfiltered look at Apple’s immediate ecosystem expansion across mobile, audio, and smart home hardware.
Summary
Code references found in the macOS Tahoe 27.6 release candidate have revealed identifiers for over 10 upcoming Apple devices across the iPhone, Mac and smart home product lines.
The leak highlights the development of the iPhone 18 series, a foldable iPhone Ultra model, a new home hub running homeOS and camera-equipped AirPods designed for Visual Intelligence features.
Apple accidentally left the back door open in its latest software update. Code references buried inside the macOS Tahoe 27.6 release candidate have exposed identifiers for a massive slate of unreleased hardware. Discovered by developers examining the code, the backend strings provide technical evidence for several highly anticipated gadgets nearing production. The software slip offers a rare, unfiltered look at the tech giant’s immediate roadmap just weeks ahead of its traditional September hardware showcase.
The highly scrutinized iPhone 18 lineup leads the string of leaks. Identifiers point directly to a staggered release strategy encompassing the standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. Most notably, the code includes a V68 designation that aligns with the long-rumored iPhone Ultra. This device is widely expected to be the brand’s first foldable smartphone. Internal markers also reference an iPhone Air 2 model that will likely arrive in a later product cycle.
Beyond mobile devices, the leak confirms major expansions to the brand’s audio and living room ecosystems. A built-in demo video discovered within the files gives a first look at camera-equipped AirPods. The footage features Siri instructing users on how to capture and save real-world objects using Visual Intelligence sensors mounted in the earbud stems. Alongside the headphones, the code outlines a Home Hub smart display. Sporting the J490 codename, this seven-inch tabletop unit will reportedly run a new operating system called homeOS and feature a dashboard heavily inspired by the iPhone StandBy mode.
Rounding out the premature reveals are several core computing upgrades. The backend data flags an incoming OLED iPad mini equipped with an A19 Pro chip. Multiple Mac identifiers also appear, signaling the imminent arrival of M6 MacBook Pro configurations and refreshed iMac desktop computers. While internal placeholders frequently circulate in early beta builds, their inclusion in a final release candidate usually indicates that retail availability and official announcements are imminent.
