References to 'homeOS' resurface in tvOS 17.4 beta
Code references in the first developer beta of tvOS 17.4 to "homeOS" could be an indication that Apple is working on a new operating system aimed for use within a person's home.
Apple's Home app icon
The developer betas of Apple's operating systems often include references to unannounced or soon-to-launch products. In an inspection of the latest developer beta for tvOS 17.4, there appears to be some for an unreleased operating system.
References uncovered by MacRumors mention "homeOS," an operating system that appeared in a pair of job advertisements in June 2021 and November 2021. In both cases, homeOS is named alongside iOS, watchOS, and tvOS, before being altered after reports spotted the term's usage.
Outside of the references, there's no indication as to what exactly homeOS will be used for, aside from the name hinting at the environment where it will be probably used.
Apple already operates HomeKit, its smart home framework, which seems like a logical usage for the homeOS name. There's also HomePod, which runs on HomePod Software, a modified form of tvOS, which could potentially get a rebrand with the release of future devices.
There have also been rumors of Apple introducing a HomePod with a seven-inch display, that could be potentially used as a smart home display. Furthermore, there's even been suggestions of an Apple monitor acting as a smart home display when not actively being used with a Mac.
Short of an introduction at an Apple event or during WWDC, it seems unlikely there will be any closure on what homeOS is in the short term.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
Since they reversed themselves on the decision to cease production of the OG HomePod and came out with a second iteration of that, perhaps there's hope they'll make a splash this year and introduce Apple wi-fi mesh routers.
I do hope they make it actually work. I spent all day today fiddling and fussing with lights and plugs and wifi...most frustrating and disappointing.
AirPort and especially the AirPort utility were 'wireless for the rest of us'.
The concepts and hardware were there and just needed to be expanded on (the Express and Extreme routers, Time Capsule).
They closed the division down just when everyone was beginning to use full on cloud services but still required local storage at home.
A mesh line would have been perfect.
A router fit for this century would have been a perfect security shield running independently of local Macs and tablets.
A NAS of family sharing option to expand on what Time Capsule brought to market would have been perfect too.
As for HomeOS I can see the logic but I think they need to unify their OS systems under one umbrella.
The perfect solution would be something like Huawei's Whole House smart solution (now on version 4) with all of the above and much more (including FTTR and NearLink).
They cost multiple thousands of dollars but is a great revenue stream option when paired with property developers who build entire buildings with the solutions pre-installed.
That seems right up Apple's street.
https://www.huaweicentral.com/harmonyos-connect-upgrades-with-new-intelligence-at-partner-summit-2023/
Sketchy Chinese to English translation here but it gives a decent overview of what can be done (AI included although not really touched on):
https://inf.news/en/digital/56c467e8d240f367ed7d1f5c8754fcc7.html
My house still runs on Apple Airports. They work yes, but the stuff connected to them often needs help.
In its day, Airport Utility was an amazing piece of useful software.