Code found by MacRumors within the first developer beta of tvOS 17.4 consists of references to “homeOS,” indicating that Apple is constant to work on its rumored house units working system behind the scenes.
The primary point out we ever noticed of “homeOS” was again in 2021, in two Apple job postings that talked about the mysterious working system.
You’ll get to work with system engineers throughout Apple, studying the inner-workings of iOS, watchOS, tvOS and homeOS, and optimizing your code for efficiency in methods solely Apple can. Come be a part of our staff and make an actual distinction for music lovers worldwide.
The Apple Music Frameworks staff owns the expertise stack that allows the system-integrated Apple Music expertise on all of our cell platforms: iOS, watchOS, and homeOS.
Nonetheless, the point out of homeOS was faraway from the itemizing as soon as the media had observed it, changing the point out with “HomePod.” No extra mentions of homeOS have been seen prior to now, with the discharge of the primary tvOS 17.4 beta.
The working system that runs on the HomePod and HomePod mini has by no means acquired a proper title. Apple reportedly refers to it internally as “audioOS.” Nonetheless, no person at Apple has ever used that time period in talking to the general public. Formally, Apple calls it “HomePod Software program,” nevertheless it isn’t sometimes referred to that approach.
Apple’s unique HomePod, launched in 2018, ran a modified model of iOS 11 when it launched. Nonetheless, Apple transitioned to utilizing tvOS for the HomePod with the discharge of HomePod Software program 13.4. It’s doable that Apple might be working in the direction of combining the tvOS and HomePod Software program someday sooner or later, rebranding the merged software program as “homeOS.”
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has mentioned Apple is engaged on a brand new sensible house show that’s designed to compete with the Google Nest Hub, the Meta Portal, and the Echo Present. The rumored show is alleged to resemble an iPad and can embody a built-in digital camera for FaceTime calls. The brand new machine will possible mount to the wall and act as a central console hub in your sensible house merchandise. The machine may additionally function HomePod-like audio system, and at launch, it might be thought-about a part of the HomePod lineup.
We’ve additionally seen rumors of a brand new HomePod with a show embedded on the high of the sensible speaker, which may see a launch someday this 12 months. Whereas “homeOS” might be a reference to both of those units, it is also referring to one thing else.
The MacRumors report additionally mentions a SharePlay function for the HomePod within the tvOS 17.4 beta, which additionally hints at work on a HomePod with a built-in display screen. The replace features a QR code on the Apple Music app on the TV, which might then be scanned to begin a SharePlay session on the machine. A HomePod with a show may additionally provide related performance.
tvOS 17.4 is predicted to be launched alongside iOS 17,4 someday in March. Apple may unveil a brand new machine at a spring media occasion. If the brand new machine is certainly a brand new iPad-like panel to hold on the wall, it may debut alongside the anticipated new iPads, mentioned to be hitting cabinets in late March. Keep tuned.
[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.]