Apple Developing Smart Displays with ‘homeOS’ Says Report

Image: Apple

Apple is working on two new smart display products that will run on a new operating system, homeOS, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his weekly Power On newsletter. Apple is again trying to crack the smart home market, which has been dominated by Google and Alexa devices.

The most notable project under development is a high-end device code-named J595, which includes a robotic arm with a large, iPad-like display.

The second device, referred to as J490, is a lower-end smart display designed for FaceTime and home appliance control, with a launch expected as early as next year. This product could serve as a more affordable alternative to the J595, which may cost $1,000 USD or more. That would be pretty expensive for a smart home device, regardless of who makes it.

Both devices will include Apple Intelligence, allowing them to process AI models locally, a feature missing in Apple’s current home products such as the Apple TV, HomePod, and HomePod mini, which only run dumb Siri.

The new alleged homeOS system will be based on tvOS, similar to how Apple’s other hardware lines each have dedicated operating systems. Gurman believes both tvOS and homeOS will merge into one at some point, for all smart home devices from Apple.

Back in 2021, an Apple job posting mentioned ‘homeOS’, for a job that was related to Apple Music.

The lower-end display will include apps like Calendar, Notes, and Home, with a user interface designed for quick access to home controls and information. Apple has explored designs that could allow it to attach magnetically to walls or sit on a desk.

It’s handy to have more than one smart home device, so you can communicate no matter where you are in the home. It will be an expensive proposition if Apple releases high-end smart home devices at $1,000 USD. Apple is also rumoured to be venturing into home robotics as well.