Apple develops new gaming controllers and HomePod audio features

Code discovered in macOS Tahoe and audioOS 27 beta versions suggests Apple is developing new hardware, including gaming controllers and advanced audio features for the HomePod.

References to two gaming controller models, T6502 and T1507, indicate a potential move into the gaming peripheral market. The T6502 is described as a basic wired model with advanced haptic feedback via four channels, while the T1507 is a more advanced wireless Bluetooth model featuring a gyroscope and accelerometer.

Regarding audio, new code points to a surround sound system utilizing four HomePod speakers. This configuration would assign specific roles to front and rear units to create an immersive environment. Additionally, a “Party Mode” is mentioned, which would use a diffuse audio-rendering mode to spread sound more evenly throughout a room rather than focusing on a single listening position.