Apple is once again shaking up the tech landscape with the expected launch of homeOS, a brand-new operating system designed to seamlessly integrate with smart home devices. Set to release in 2025, this operating system is expected to be at the core of two new smart displays, which will directly compete with Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub.
A New Era of Smart Home Devices
The homeOS ecosystem represents Apple’s first major foray into creating an operating system specifically designed for home automation. Although rumors have circulated for years, recent reports suggest that Apple will debut two smart displays—one lower-end version for basic home functions, and a high-end model with advanced features like a robotic arm. These devices are set to be powered by Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features aimed at making daily tasks more intuitive and interactive.
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, homeOS is expected to be built on the foundation of tvOS, Apple’s current software for Apple TV. The lower-end smart display (codenamed J490) will be focused on FaceTime calls, controlling home appliances, and integrating with popular apps like Calendar and Notes. Meanwhile, the higher-end model (codenamed J595) will feature a larger screen and advanced robotic capabilities, likely positioning it as a premium product for both smart home control and business use. The base version is expected to be released in 2025, while the advanced version may not arrive until 2026.
As for homeOS itself, it is said that its development will be based on tvOS which is used on Apple TV.
The Impact of homeOS on Smart Home Ecosystems
Apple’s venture into home automation with homeOS comes at a crucial time, as more consumers adopt smart home devices for convenience and security. With homeOS, Apple aims to unify its smart home ecosystem under one operating system, allowing users to seamlessly control their devices via an iPhone, iPad, or even Siri.
What sets Apple apart from its competitors is its focus on privacy and premium design. By integrating advanced AI, homeOS-enabled devices will offer unique functionalities like hand gesture recognition and facial identification for enhanced security. The smart displays will also work closely with HomeKit, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of smart appliances.
The Competition: Amazon and Google Beware
Apple’s entry into the smart home market with homeOS represents a clear challenge to existing market leaders like Amazon and Google. Both companies have long been dominant in the smart display market, with devices like the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub offering similar home control and entertainment options. However, Apple’s emphasis on high-end design, AI-powered features, and privacy could attract consumers looking for premium alternatives.
In particular, the high-end version of Apple’s smart display, expected to cost over $1,000, will differentiate itself with features like a robotic arm for dynamic camera adjustments during video calls, making it a more versatile device for home offices and professional use.
The introduction of homeOS marks a significant step for Apple in capturing a larger share of the smart home market. The company’s strategy to integrate Apple Intelligence with its existing lineup of devices and apps ensures that homeOS will offer a streamlined experience. If Apple can execute this vision successfully, it could reshape the way consumers interact with their smart homes, bringing cutting-edge AI-driven automation into the mainstream.
Apple’s homeOS is poised to be a game-changer in the smart home industry. With the upcoming release of two smart displays in 2025, Apple is signaling its intention to dominate the high-end smart home market. By leveraging its robust ecosystem, privacy-focused features, and innovative AI technology, Apple’s homeOS could well become the operating system of choice for smart homes of the future.
