Apple now expected to unveil HomeOS, related hardware ahead of 2026 WWDC
Apple's long-rumored launch of the homeOS platform to run smart-home devices and services has had its debut pushed back to the spring of 2026, alongside the launch of new home hardware.
An iPad-like Home Hub device could control various smart-home functions.
Apple is said to have delayed the rollout of both its smart home hub and supporting products due to delays with upgrades to Siri. While it may be something you would consider to be launched during WWDC, it may arrive earlier than the 2026 event.
According to Bloomberg, the rollout of the planned upgrades will likely arrive in March of next year, at an event focused on consumers.
Apple's ambitions for early 2026 include two big updates, including an upgraded Siri experience, featuring contextual understanding, chatbot capabilities. It's also anticipated to be coming out with a conversational, always-on copilot that could announce tasks.
The company has been planning an iPad-like "home hub" device that would control in-home systems such as climate control, home security, and other functions. Other rumored home products include a tabletop robotic arm that might also include a swivelable iPad-like display.
A convergence of Apple technologies
The rollout of Apple's smart-home push is dependent on several different factors coming together. Built on the upgraded Siri for voice-based commands and requests, new hardware would likely be unveiled at the March event, ahead of the company's annual developer conference.
It will rely on Thread control to create a mesh network among the smart-home devices. Existing Apple products such as the iPhone, Apple TV, and HomePod already have the necessary radios for the future HomeOS built-in.
The continuing development of Apple Intelligence will also play a key role in the evolution of Apple's home technologes. Alongside the upgrade to Siri's capabilities, Apple has recently opened up the technology to developers with its Foundation Models Framework, announced during WWDC.
Other manufacturers have slowly started to adopt compatibility with Apple's Thread home technology into their own products, such as Ikea's Timmerflotte temperature and humidity sensor.
A unified push by Apple to promote homeOS and products supporting it will allow Apple to offer unified home control that works across different brands and technologies. This would, if adopted by users, give Apple an advantage in the smart-home accessory market.
Rumor Score: Possible
Read on AppleInsider
Comments
I've been using HomeKit exclusively for some years now. But there are too many capabilities and too many devices which escape HomeKit and Siri.
I'm going to have to begin shifting away from HomeKit and toward Alexa just to be able to fully utilize many of the capabilities of the devices I already own.
My home appliances from Miele and Siemens have SDKs. They support Alexa and their own apps. Apple offer no support for their capabilities. Same goes for heating and my robovac. I have my Hue controlled through Homekit to benefit from multi-user geofencing (seems I can now do this without Homekit). Apple Home doesn't even support the wheel controls from Hue. Didn't Apple ship a product with wheel control at some point...
Will we see support for more appliances? Don't bet on it. We have seen how CarPlay Ultra lost even the launch partners. What would the benefit be for vendors to abandon their own customer platforms? 10 years ago they didn't have any and CarPlay + Homekit made sense. By now Miele knows when I need their detergent and vacuum bags. Why add any US company to the mix? CarPlay and Apple Home are designed to make brands generic.
homeOS router, lights, speakers, iPad mount, door locks, thermostat, etc. etc.
make it so it just works.