Apple's smart home devices could run on a new platform, homeOS.
Apple is believed to be making another major push into the smart home space next year with a new operating system.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple is expected to launch a new operating system for its smart home devices and it's likely to be called homeOS.
While tvOS will form the foundation of homeOS, Gurman believes tvOS will eventually be combined with homeOS to run on Apple's smart home devices. Speaking of smart home devices, homeOS will likely feature in two upcoming smart display products.
Gurman recently reported that Apple is working on a tabletop device with a display mounted on a robotic arm. It is expected to launch as soon as 2026 for around US$1,000 (~S$1,317).
The other device is tipped to be the "lower-end companion" to the tabletop device. It was reported earlier that this device could be powered by the A18 chip and it would have a squarish display with a built-in camera for video calls. This device could launch as early as spring 2025.
Gurman added that this device is designed to run native apps such as Calendar, Notes, and Home, and the display is optimised to control home appliances and quick viewing of information.
Not surprisingly, both smart display products will support Apple Intelligence features to help bring the company's AI platform into users' homes.
Reports surfaced as early as 2022 on Apple's efforts to develop smart home devices. Bloomberg claimed in April 2022 that a hybrid device with HomePod, Apple TV, and FaceTime features is coming.
The publication then followed up with a new report stating that there are "at least four new smart home devices" in Apple's labs.
In 2023, it shared that one of the smart home devices is "essentially a low-end iPad that can control thermostats and lights, show videos, and manage FaceTime calls".
Earlier this year, Bloomberg said Apple has not made much progress on the smart home devices and the launch may not be anytime soon. Following the cancellation of the electric car project, Apple reportedly pivoted to personal robots for homes.
Source: Bloomberg
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