# Apple’s Smart Home Vision: A New Chapter with tvOS 18 and Beyond
Apple has maintained a strong presence in the technology sector, but in the realm of smart home solutions, the company has not kept pace with rivals like Google and Amazon. Nevertheless, recent trends indicate that Apple is preparing for a significant expansion into the smart home arena, spearheaded by an updated approach that encompasses enhancements to **tvOS 18**, the anticipated **homeOS**, and the integration of **Apple Intelligence**. Through these innovations, Apple aims to reshape its smart home landscape and enhance its competitive edge in this rapidly expanding domain.
## tvOS 18: An Active Update Phase
Following two years of extensive updates, the **tvOS 18** period promises to be more active than previously anticipated. Apple has been consistently enhancing its Apple TV operating system, and the forthcoming updates are set to introduce even more meaningful alterations. Reports indicate that **tvOS 18** will unveil new functionalities while also establishing the foundation for Apple’s wider smart home goals.
### Apple Intelligence: The Essential Element of Home Automation
A particularly thrilling part of Apple’s newly defined strategy is the rollout of **Apple Intelligence**. Already accessible on **iOS**, **iPadOS**, and **macOS**, Apple Intelligence is slated to infuse **tvOS** with sophisticated AI capabilities too. As per **Bloomberg**’s Mark Gurman, Apple intends to utilize this framework to provide “home automation on steroids,” facilitating exact control over applications, devices, and media.
A pivotal aspect of this initiative is the upcoming **App Intents** system, which empowers Siri to control specific features within applications. This innovation could transform the user experience by simplifying interactions with smart home devices, allowing users to manage everything from lighting to media playback through natural voice commands.
## The Emergence of Smart Displays
Alongside software enhancements, Apple is reportedly in pursuit of new hardware to support its smart home framework. The company is expected to reveal two **smart displays** in the next few years, with the first possibly debuting as soon as 2025. These displays would enable users to stream **Apple TV+** shows, engage in **FaceTime** conversations, browse the web, and access essential Apple applications such as Calendar and Notes.
This entry-level device is intended to directly compete with offerings like the **Amazon Echo Show** and **Google Nest Hub**. Apple envisions users acquiring multiple devices for various rooms, similar to the strategy employed for the **HomePod mini**. These smart displays have the potential to become the core of Apple’s smart home ecosystem, ensuring smooth compatibility with other Apple products and services.
## A High-End Tabletop Device
Looking further into the future, there are rumors of Apple working on a **high-end tabletop device** that might retail around $1,000. This premium offering would center on home security, advanced videoconferencing, and high-fidelity media playback. A standout feature of this device would include a swiveling robotic arm that can follow users, making it excellent for video conferencing and interactive uses.
This device would employ **Apple Intelligence** to provide features like **Center Stage**, which automatically keeps users in the viewfinder during video calls. With its combination of advanced hardware and AI-powered software, this device could redefine expectations for smart home tools.
## The Future of Home Automation: homeOS and More
While **tvOS 18** is anticipated to significantly influence Apple’s smart home strategy, there are also rumors regarding the development of a dedicated **homeOS**. This new operating system would be tailored specifically for smart home gadgets, delivering a more cohesive and integrated user experience.
Apple’s long-term aim is to establish a unified smart home ecosystem that competes with those from Google and Amazon. By accommodating a broad array of accessories and introducing AI-enhanced features, Apple hopes to attract more consumers to its smart home solutions. The launch of **homeOS** may be a crucial milestone in realizing this objective, laying the groundwork for future advancements in home automation.
## Conclusion: Apple’s Aspirations in Smart Homes
If the speculations hold true, Apple stands ready to make substantial advancements in the smart home arena in the coming years. With updates to **tvOS 18**, the potential introduction of **homeOS**, and new hardware such as smart displays and a high-end tabletop device, Apple is setting the stage to emerge as a prominent force in home automation.
The integration of **Apple Intelligence** is poised to be transformative, providing users with enhanced control over their smart home devices and media. Whether through Siri’s improved functionalities or the innovative **App Intents** system, Apple is striving to craft a more intuitive and seamless smart home environment.
As Apple fine-tunes its plan, the **Apple TV** might finally realize its potential as the long-anticipated central hub that connects everything. With an updated **Home app**, new features in **tvOS 18**, and thrilling new products on the way,
