Apple is quietly building something big for your home, and it’s more than just a smart speaker. After years of leaks, job listings, and behind-the-scenes testing, Apple is getting ready to launch a brand-new software platform called homeOS. It’s expected to debut with a redesigned HomePod that includes a screen, and together, they could mark Apple’s biggest move in the smart home space yet. Here’s everything we know so far about homeOS.
What Is homeOS?
homeOS is Apple’s upcoming smart home operating system. Think of it as iOS, but built specifically to run on devices around your house. It’s expected to be based on tvOS (the same software that powers the Apple TV and the current HomePod), but with a focus on smart home controls, Apple Intelligence, and voice-first experiences.
The operating system could run on a new Apple device that some are calling the HomePad—a cross between an iPad and a HomePod. This will be Apple’s first smart display, and homeOS will be the software driving it.
Apple’s Vision for a Smart Home
Until now, the HomePod has run on audioOS, Apple’s internal name for its smart speaker operating system. It’s based on tvOS, and Apple publicly refers to it as HomePod Software. Aside from not having a proper public name, this OS lacked an interface, dedicated features, and was largely underutilized.
However, Apple is about to change that with homeOS, introducing a visual interface, smart features, support for controlling smart home devices, making FaceTime calls, running Apple Intelligence, and more.
Unlike the iPad, this device will likely live on your countertop, be mounted on a wall, or stay docked in a room where the whole family can use it. Simply put, Apple wants to do for your home what the iPhone did for your pocket.
A Timeline of homeOS Mentions and Development
Apple hasn’t officially confirmed homeOS by name, but it has become increasingly clear this is the name for the software unifying Apple’s smart home efforts. Here’s a concise timeline highlighting the development and mentions of Apple’s homeOS:
- June 2021: Apple mentions homeOS in a job posting, leading people to believe a smart home operating system might be in the works.
- September 2024: A report from The Verge says Apple is working on a smart home display that could run homeOS, built on top of tvOS.
- October 2024: Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, in a newsletter, shares details about two HomePod models with screens (codenamed J490 and J595), likely to use homeOS.
- May 2025: AppleInsider, in a report, gives a full breakdown of homeOS, explaining that it’s based on tvOS and will power upcoming smart home devices.
Core Features of homeOS (Expected and Confirmed)
homeOS will bring together a lot of familiar Apple elements with new twists tailored for your home.
- Siri gets smarter with on-device context: The version of Siri on homeOS is expected to be more advanced, thanks to Apple Intelligence. It will use contextual awareness to respond more accurately to users. Plus, it can recognize different voices and tailor responses accordingly.
- Unified smart home control: homeOS could be designed to act as a central hub for managing smart devices. Through a single device, users will be able to access and control compatible gadgets like lights, thermostats, blinds, locks, robot vacuums, and more, all from a unified, easy-to-use interface.
- A visual interface made for the home: The homeOS home screen could look like iOS, with a grid layout, widgets, and a dock for quick access. It adapts based on distance, showing photos when you’re far, and switching to an interactive interface when you approach.
- Pre-installed Apple apps: Unlike before, the new HomePod with a screen will support built-in apps including Calendar, Notes, Safari, Music, TV, Podcasts, Weather, Photos, and FaceTime. These apps are optimized for shared spaces, making them quick and practical for daily use. App Store support might be available as of now.
- Cross-device integration with Apple’s ecosystem: homeOS will work seamlessly with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You could start a call on your phone and move it to the HomePod, or use Siri to bring up a note from your iPad on the smart display. It’s all connected.
User Interface and Experience Enhancements
Apple is building homeOS to feel like something you already know but made for the whole family to use together. The home screen could look a lot like what you see on iPhones and iPads, with a grid of apps, a dock at the bottom, and widgets you can customize. But it’s designed more for shared use than personal productivity.
One smart touch is how the display changes based on how far you are. If you’re just walking by, it might show a screensaver with photos. But when you step closer, it switches to the full interface so you can interact with it.
Most of the time, you won’t even need to touch the screen. Siri is meant to be the primary way to control things. It’ll recognize who’s speaking and give personalized answers based on that person’s preferences.
There’s also a widget-focused mode that shows useful stuff like timers, reminders, or the weather, so you don’t have to open an app for simple tasks. Everything’s meant to be quick, easy, and family-friendly.
Rumored homeOS Features Still Under Wraps
Some features are heavily rumored for the upcoming HomePod with screen a.k.a HomePad. However, there’s not much info around them.
- FaceTime with auto-framing camera: The camera could follow you around during video calls, keeping you centered on screen automatically.
- Gesture control support from a distance: Raise a hand or wave to control playback, switch views, or activate Siri without touching the screen.
- Cooking mode with step-by-step instructions via voice: A special mode to guide you through recipes step by step using voice instructions, perfect for hands-free use in the kitchen.
- Robotic-arm version of the device coming in 2026: A high-end model might include a display on a robotic stand that tilts, swivels, or follows your movement, like a more futuristic Echo Show.
Privacy and Security in Apple homeOS
While Apple hasn’t revealed specifics, we can expect the usual Apple stance:
- On-device processing for Apple Intelligence tasks, keeping sensitive info off the cloud.
- Voice recognition ensures Siri delivers responses tailored to the speaker, keeping personal info private.
- HomeKit-grade encryption provides secure control over all your smart devices.
Compatibility and Supported Devices
At launch, homeOS will likely run on the new HomePod with a display. This device will reportedly feature:
- A 7-inch screen
- The latest A18 chip
- Wall-mount or tabletop dock
Over time, Apple could expand homeOS to future versions of Apple TV or even repurpose older HomePods.
Third-Party Smart Home Device Support
Thanks to support for Matter and Thread, homeOS will work with accessories from other brands too, including Google and Amazon certified devices. However, third-party app support won’t be available at launch. Apple may add it later with homeOS 2.
homeOS Expected Launch Date and Device Rollout
All signs point to Apple unveiling homeOS at WWDC 2025 in June, with the HomePod display launching later in late 2025. A premium version with a robotic arm is reportedly coming in 2026.
Meanwhile, Apple will officially end support for the previous version of Apple Home in the fall of 2025, according to a report from MacRumors. Users must upgrade to the newer HomeKit architecture to avoid losing access to accessories and automation. This upgrade offers features like guest access, support for robot vacuums, Activity History, and more reliable performance for homes with many devices. You can upgrade in the Home app under Home Settings > Software Update.
Apple Gets Serious About Smart Home
Apple is finally giving the smart home its own platform—and this time, it’s serious. homeOS looks like Apple’s long-awaited answer to Google Nest and Amazon Echo Show, but done the Apple way: more privacy, more polish, and tighter ecosystem integration. With Apple Intelligence and Siri at its heart, this isn’t just a display with widgets. It’s a smart home hub that could redefine how you live with tech in your house.
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