For many years now, Apple’s smart home devices have evolved into the top-box Apple TV and HomePod speakers, with each platform powered by tvOS and HomePodOS, respectively. However, there are clues that the Cupertino tech giant could merge both operating systems into one. This new development might power the first touch display-equipped HomePod speaker.
Apple’s new smart home operating system
This week, Apple shipped multiple beta versions of its operating systems to developers and testers, including tvOS 17.4. Going through the strings of code inside the tvOS firmware by MacRumors, there seems to mention of “homeOS”, which is not the first time we heard of such a name.
Back in 2021, it was discovered by a user over on X (formerly Twitter) that Apple mentioned homeOS in its job listings. Since then, there were no new developments to further advance this theory of a new operating system.
To put the pieces together better, homeOS is presumed to be the next OS that would power Apple’s TV and HomePod devices. In other words, Apple could combine tvOS and HomePodOS into homeOS, streamlining its smart home ecosystem.
In addition, there are reports related to a HomePod speaker that is equipped with an LCD screen. The device has leaked a few times and the most recent incident depicted an alleged prototype which resembles a 3rd gen HomePod with a circular and concave touch display on top. It is possible that this home device could be the first one to be powered by homeOS.
There was also earlier speculation that the speaker would support FaceTime calling via a built-in camera, but this rumor might point to a standalone smart speaker with a display instead. Nevertheless, Apple is still several months away from announcing the next major tvOS, which should be the tvOS 18. Prior to that, additional juicy details might show up.
Do you think Apple plans to merge tvOS and HomePodOS into a new operating system eventually? Let us hear your thoughts on this.
Via: MacRumors
Source:
X/u/Jlacort
