One of the new homeOS gadgets is said to be smart-home focused
Apple is gearing up for a major push into the smart home market, with two new devices potentially launching soon, powered by a fresh operating system called homeOS.
That’s according to well-respected tipster Mark Gurman from his Bloomberg Power On newsletter.
This move could signal Apple’s serious intent to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into home devices in ways we’ve yet to see from the Cupertino tech giant.
One of the new devices – which may be a pretty long way off, I’d guess – is reportedly codenamed J595, and is said to be a high-end smart display with a robotic limb, blending the functionality of an iPad with a futuristic twist.
The report suggests it could retail for over $1,000.
Another device, codenamed J490, is said to be a more affordable option; a lower-end smart display aimed at FaceTime and home automation control… i.e the HomePod with a Screen that’s been widely speculated for the past couple of years.
Gurman suggests that it could launch as early as next year.
These devices will rely heavily on what the report calls “Apple Intelligence tools,” – Apple’s growing suite of AI capabilities.
Currently, Apple’s home lineup – consisting of the Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini – lacks the necessary hardware for running advanced AI models.
The introduction of homeOS could bridge this gap, unifying the smart home ecosystem under a single operating system, likely an evolution of tvOS, Apple’s software for Apple TV.
The report notes that both devices are a collaborative effort between Apple’s AI and home hardware teams. The lower-end smart display is designed with functionality at the forefront, running apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home, and offering an intuitive interface for controlling smart home devices.
I’d fully expect it to be a Matter controller with Thread border router capabilities that is, of course, designed to be a HomeKit hub as well.
Apple has reportedly explored various designs for this product, including a prototype with magnetic wall-mounting capabilities.
As the report highlights, this is Apple’s most ambitious attempt yet to penetrate the smart home space, where it has faced mixed results in the past. Could homeOS be the missing piece in the strategy? Only time will tell.
*The image used up top isn’t real – obviously – it’s just a 2 minute, crude, Photoshop effort.
