Apple is reportedly developing an entirely new operating system for a long-rumored smart home hub, with an announcement potentially coming as soon as October. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says the platform will combine elements of iOS, watchOS, and tvOS while introducing an interface designed for a shared household device.

The software may ultimately be called homeOS. Trademark activity involving a shell company that could be connected to Apple has fueled speculation about that name, although Apple has not confirmed the branding or the product.

A new operating system for Apple's smart home hub

According to Gurman's latest Power On newsletter, the operating system will use a grid of app icons, widgets, and customizable clock faces. Those elements would bring familiar Apple interface concepts to a device intended to sit in the home rather than travel with a single user.

The rumored hub is expected to combine a HomePod-like speaker with a square display measuring between 6 and 7 inches. Siri AI is expected to be central to the experience, potentially allowing users to interact with the device through voice conversations and access various home-focused features.

Personalized information and household features

One reported feature is built-in facial recognition. The hub could identify who is viewing the screen and present personalized information to that person. The interface may also adjust automatically as someone approaches or moves away, changing the size of on-screen elements based on distance.

The device is reportedly being designed as a broad control center for the home. Possible functions include FaceTime video calls, HomeKit accessory management, home security monitoring, photo galleries, calendar access, and music playback.

Potentially preinstalled apps include Calendar, Camera, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Reminders, and Notes. The platform may also include Apple's new Siri app, which is intended for AI-powered conversations.

How homeOS could fit into Apple's software lineup

If Apple uses the homeOS name, it would join the company's existing operating systems: iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. The reported emphasis on multiple household users would distinguish the platform from software built primarily around one person's device and account.

Apple has not publicly confirmed the operating system, the smart home hub, or an announcement date. Gurman says Apple could unveil the hub as soon as October, so the product's final name, capabilities, and release timing remain unconfirmed until the company makes an official announcement.