Apple is developing an entirely new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS and iOS, according to BloombergIt’s Mark Gurman.
In his last To light up newsletter, Gurman reiterated that the operating system will feature a grid of customizable app icons, widgets, and clock faces.
The new software platform is aimed at Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition, Gurman said the hub can identify who is viewing the screen and display personalized information. As a user approaches or moves away from the hub, the size of interface elements automatically changes.
The operating system could be called homeOS, depending on the branding activity of a front company potentially linked to Apple.
homeOS would join iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS and visionOS.
The hub will essentially combine a HomePod-like speaker with a 6- or 7-inch square screen. Siri AI is expected to be at the heart of the new operating system, and other rumored features include FaceTime video calling, HomeKit accessory management, home security monitoring, photo galleries, calendar, music playback, and more.
Some of the pre-installed Apple apps that will apparently be available on the new platform include Calendar, Camera, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Reminders, Notes, and the all-new Siri app for Siri AI conversations.
Finally, the platform will be expected to have multi-user support.
Apple is expected to unveil the Home Hub as early as October this year.
