Apple has an unused sensor, hidden inside the HomePod mini, that could measure the current temperature and humidity in any room in which it is located, according Bloomberg.

The report suggests that in a future software update, Apple could activate the sensor so that thermostats connected to the internet can regulate the temperature in different parts of a house according to current conditions, as well as automatically trigger other HomeKit actions, depending on temperature.

The sensor is placed away from the internal electronics, next to the plastic power cord on the back of the unit, reports Bloomberg, which shows that the sensor is designed to measure room temperature and humidity, rather than a sensor to detect overheating.

The company discussed internally the use of the sensor to determine the temperature and humidity of a room, so that thermostats connected to the Internet can adjust different parts of a house according to current conditions, depending on people familiar with the situation. The hardware may also allow ‌HomePod mini‌ to automatically trigger other actions, such as turning the fan on or off, depending on the temperature.

Apple introduced the HomePod mini in October, announcing this month that it was discontinuation of the original HomePod after it was announced four years ago.

Image: iFixit (Via Bloomberg)