Apple’s Much-Anticipated homeOS May Arrive in 2025 Alongside Home Hub
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Apple may release its much-anticipated smart home hub in two different versions sometime in 2025, while also releasing a rebranded version of tvOS that will offer a focus on home automation and other similar products and actions.
While we’ve previously told you about a rumored HomePod with a built-in display, a new report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reiterates his previous claims that Apple expected Home Hub device could be made up of a cross between the Cupertino firm’s HomePod and a smart display, much like Amazon’s Echo Hub.
Gurman says the most significant product of the two currently in development is a tabletop device code-named “J595” that combines a robotic limb with a large, iPad-like display. Meanwhile, a lower-end device dubbed “J490” will be a low-end smart display designed for FaceTime and also for controlling home appliances. He says both devices will include Apple Intelligence tools, allowing the company to bring AI into the home.
Gurman, whose comments came in his weekly Power On newsletter, also claims Apple will rename its existing tvOS operating system — currently used in the Apple TV, the HomePod, and the HomePod mini — to “homeOS.” The rebranding could take place alongside the release of the higher-end HomePod with the larger display and robotic arm.
Both versions of the future HomePod are expected to be powered by at least the A18 chip to provide support for Apple Intelligence, as well as a camera for FaceTime. The two devices are said to support hand gestures used in apps like FaceTime and Zoom.
The high-end robotic arm-equipped version of the HomePod is expected to retail for more than $1,000 and will likely be intended for use in homes and offices where video conferencing is common, allowing participants to move around during a meeting and still stay in frame.
Meanwhile, the lower-end model is expected to support a limited selection of apps, such as the Home app to allow for control of smart devices. The device will also include Calendar with integrated Reminders functionality, as well as Notes and FaceTime apps.
Gurman had previously said the device would be controlled primarily using Siri and would likely boast a powerful enough chip and sufficient RAM to support Apple Intelligence — something the current HomePod is not capable of. He said the device would respond to commands such as “look at me” to reposition the screen and be able to understand different voices. At the time, he said it would likely also be able to follow someone during a video call, something Apple has previously laid the foundation for with its DockKit framework introduced in iOS 17.
Gurman says both Apple’s artificial intelligence and home device hardware engineering teams are collaborating on the projects. When developing device prototypes, Apple saw the device as “magnetically attaching” to walls or sitting atop a desk.
Both new HomePods will continue to support high-quality audio as they do now, while also offering access to the updated Siri features provided by Apple Intelligence.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]
