Last week, Apple released iOS 17.4 and tvOS 17.4 beta 1 to developers with a wide range of changes imposed by the European Union under the Digital Markets Act. iOS 17.4 brings a plethora of changes oriented towards the App Store with the ability to sideload third-party apps and install alternative app stores on the iPhone. While some of these changes will not be available on other Apple products, tvOS 17.4 brings its own set of discoveries. According to the latest findings, tvOS 17.4 houses references to Apple's rumored homeOS platform for a future version of the HomePod.
tvOS 17.4 beta hints at Apple's forthcoming 'homeOS' platform for an upgraded version of the HomePod
Apple is planning to introduce a new platform for devices that fall under its 'Home' category. A few years back, Apple posted two job listings that mentioned homeOS. However, the company deleted the term when it gathered media attention. Nonetheless, it gave us a hint that the company plans to introduce a dedicated platform for home-based devices or features. Now, MacRumors has discovered the term 'homeOS' in the latest tvOS 17.4 beta.
Currently, Apple's HomePod runs the HomePod Software. Initially, the company used a toned-down version of iOS to power the HomePod. Gradually, it transitioned to tvOS and then switched to a dedicated HomePod Software Update, which currently rests at version 13.4. The company is planning another switch, potentially for the HomePod and devices that it could launch in the future.
In the past, we have heard that Apple is working on a new device that will combine the features of a HomePod and an iPad with a robotic arm. The device would compete against the likes of the Amazon Echo Show, Meta Portal, and Google Nest Hub. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg mentioned that the rumored device would feature a similar design to the iPad. It would house a FaceTime camera and speakers. The device could have the option to be mounted on a holder for wall attachment. Potentially, the homeOS reference in tvOS 17.4 beta will be the dedicated operating system for the device.
We have also previously heard that the company is working on an upgraded version of the HomePod, which will feature a display on top. The device is expected to launch this year. Henceforth, the homeOS reference in tvOS 17.4 will likely be the platform for the aforementioned devices. tvOS 17.4 beta also houses a SharePlay feature, which could be designed for the next-gen HomePod with a display.
Apple will potentially release tvOS 17.4 alongside the iOS 17.4 update in March. The company is also expected to host its Spring event by the end of March to announce the new OLED iPad Pro, M2 iPad Air, and M3 MacBook Air models. We will share more details on homeOS as soon as further details are available.
About the author: Ali Salman is a technology reporter for Wccftech mobile section with a specialized focus on Apple and the intellectual property that drives mobile innovation. He has cultivated a unique expertise in analyzing and deconstructing complex technology patents, translating dense legal and technical documents into clear, insightful reports on future products.
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