Apple Prepares homeOS, a New Operating System for Smart Home Devices

Apple is reportedly preparing a new operating system designed specifically for smart home hub devices. According to a report by Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the device will feature a 6- to 7-inch screen and could be introduced as early as October 2026. If realized, this would be Apple's first OS platform since watchOS in 2015, aside from visionOS, which was introduced in 2023.

The move marks a strategic shift for Apple, which has long been known for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The company is said to be working on an interface that blends visual elements and interactions from tvOS, watchOS, and iOS. In his Power On newsletter, Gurman said the interface will display app icons, widgets, and a customizable clock, with element sizes that adapt to the user's distance from the screen.

On the hardware side, the hub is described as a square screen attached to a HomePod-style speaker. Siri sits at the center of the platform, positioning the device as the new face of Apple's AI assistant in the living room. However, Apple has not officially confirmed the name, device, software, or launch date. The name "homeOS" itself emerged only from trademark activity reportedly linked to an Apple shell company, making it speculative.

Beyond the technical aspects, Gurman's report also highlights the potential use of facial recognition to identify who is standing in front of the screen and serve personalized information to each family member. This feature raises important questions about data storage, user consent, and how Apple separates profiles in a shared space. So far, Apple has disclosed nothing about such mechanisms, leaving the implications for household data privacy a major open question.

"Apple's Intelligent Personal Hub strategy is far more than just the iPhone. It's a big teaser for their upcoming screen-equipped home AI hub device." — Mark Gurman, quoted from the Power On newsletter.

For the Indonesian market, the arrival of Apple's smart home hub could reshape the home device landscape, which is currently dominated by Amazon Echo and Google Nest. Although smart home device penetration in Indonesia remains relatively low compared with developed countries, the urban middle class in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali is showing growing interest in connected home ecosystems. Apple has an opportunity to leverage its large iPhone user base to drive adoption, especially if the hub integrates seamlessly with services such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, and HomeKit.

However, regulatory and infrastructure challenges still loom. Indonesia does not yet have a comprehensive legal framework for biometric data protection, while facial recognition features would be highly sensitive. If Apple wants to market this device officially in the country, it will need to ensure compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law and may face local audits. In addition, uneven internet connectivity outside Java remains an obstacle to mass adoption.

From an industry perspective, Apple's move could trigger a new round of competition in the smart home segment. Amazon and Google have already released smart display devices, but none has truly united a full OS experience with a deeply integrated AI assistant. If Apple successfully executes this vision, it will not only sell devices but also create a control center for the entire digital home ecosystem. The question is, will Indonesian users be ready to accept an AI assistant that recognizes faces and stores personal data in their living rooms?