Apple's tvOS 26 beta removing HomeKit branding and adding "Apple Home" shouldn't be a surprise, since Apple has been on that road for two years.

The fifth tvOS 26 beta changed several "HomeKit" references to "Apple Home" in the Settings app on all Apple TV models compatible with the update.

It has been nearly 11 years since Apple introduced its HomeKit smart home framework, and the technical term “HomeKit” is often used to refer to anything related to Apple’s smart home technology.

Apple might be phasing out the ‘HomeKit’ branding in favor of a new, unified Apple Home brand ahead of its big smart home push.

The Verifier reports that in the latest tvOS 26 beta, the setting for AirPlay and HomeKit has been changed to AirPlay and Apple Home. This change appears to indicate a new approach to branding ...