For the smart home

Apple is working on a new operating system

Apple is reportedly working on an operating system focused on the smart home.

Ove Kaufeldt

Published 9 May 2025 - 16:21

Apple plans to introduce a brand new operating system, Home OS, later this year, which is specifically tailored for the company's upcoming smart display, Homepad. This is according to the publication 9to5Mac. The launch is reportedly set to coincide with major updates for iOS, Mac OS, and iPad OS, which will mean a broad focus on coordinating the company's different platforms.

The new operating system has been designed with a customisable Home Screen where users can add widgets to display, for example, weather, stock prices, or reminders. The screen is designed as a grid similar to what is already familiar from iOS, complemented by a dock for quick access to selected apps and integrated smart home features. The interface is designed to offer a familiar experience for Apple users while being specially adapted for a home environment.

A central part of Home OS is the improved integration with Siri. The operating system takes advantage of advanced Apple Intelligence to provide upgraded voice control features, so that Siri can respond more precisely based on the user's current context and thereby perform more complex tasks across multiple apps.

At launch, Home OS will include a range of built-in apps, including Facetime, Calendar, Music, Safari, Notes, and several other standard programs. There are also indications that a completely new App Store will be launched, but probably not in conjunction with the operating system's launch.

Another detail of Home OS is its ability to automatically adjust the user interface based on the user's proximity to the Homepad. Using built-in sensors, the system can, for example, switch from displaying an active home start screen with apps to showing a slideshow of photographs when no one is near the device. This dynamic feature is designed to practically and visually adapt the user experience in the home environment.

Whether the intention is to launch Home OS in conjunction with iOS 19 and the other operating systems of the year, or if the major updates mentioned are standalone, is not clear.