Amidst the numerous speculations about potential announcements at WWDC 2025, there has been a persistent rumor about Apple launching homeOS 26. Yet, as another WWDC concluded, Apple remained silent on the new operating system, which is expected to drive all home-related initiatives from the company.
On one side, this seems reasonable. The company hasn’t revealed any new hardware associated with home settings. However, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman indicates that the smart home OS is still under development — we’ll just have to be patient a little longer to witness it.
In his Power On newsletter, the journalist states, “Apple never planned to present homeOS at WWDC.” Gurman mentions, “the initial intention was to unveil this operating system in March alongside new hardware.” With Apple not holding a March event due to the postponed Siri features, the company opted to delay the software too.
Though Gurman believes that Apple could still present the expected smart home hub and homeOS 26 software without the new Siri AI functionalities, he notes it “would diminish the user experience. In any case, it likely makes more sense to reveal homeOS at a consumer-focused event, rather than one aimed at developers.”
What’s the purpose of homeOS 26?
homeOS has been circulating in rumors for some time now. This is Apple’s latest software for all home-related functionalities. The company is anticipated to develop a sub-branch of tvOS to manage more specialized home products, such as tabletop devices, HomePods, and various other smart home gadgets.
Up to now, some of the devices that might operate on this new OS include:
– **HomePod with a display:** Multiple reports suggest a potential HomePod with a display, which would enhance the existing generation. It could ultimately show weather updates, music, videos, and more.
– **Squared display with HomePod combination:** Earlier reports indicate that Apple may soon introduce a product featuring a squared display, tabletop arms, built-in camera, and Apple Intelligence.
– **High-end tabletop:** Gurman asserts that Apple is working on a $1,000 tabletop device as a luxurious alternative to the Amazon Echo Show. This product is still a few years away.
– **Additional smart home devices:** Apple is also evaluating security cameras, a door lock equipped with Face ID, and various home devices to extend their reach into our domestic spaces.
Ultimately, Apple might also modify tvOS 26 to serve as homeOS 26, as it could power forthcoming Apple TV and HomePod iterations. After all, the company aims to expand its Apple Intelligence platform across all its products.
