Even though it hasn’t officially launched yet, the buzz is that this special operating system will power a brand-new smart home hub—think of it as a mash-up between a HomePod and an iPad, sometimes called the “HomePad.”

So, why is this such a big deal? Right now, Apple’s smart home setup is managed through Apple HomeKit across devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, and HomePod. It’s pretty good, but it’s always been more like an extension of other operating systems than its own platform. That’s where HomeOS comes in.

HomeOS could be built on top of tvOS (the same foundation the HomePod uses), which means Apple apps like Calendar, Notes, and of course, the Home app could be right there in your living space. And if you add Apple Intelligence—Apple’s new AI features—the experience could feel even more natural, with smarter Siri responses, touch controls, and maybe even some clever sensors built into the hardware.

The exact timeline is still a bit unclear, with reports suggesting delays until 2026. But if Apple pulls it off, HomeOS might finally give the smart home a dedicated brain—one that feels totally Apple.