Get ready, tech enthusiasts! Apple might be gearing up to shake things up in the smart home arena with an innovative display set to debut next year. According to industry insider Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, this upcoming gadget will introduce an all-new operating system dubbed homeOS, which has been designed on the foundational architecture of tvOS—the operating system that powers the Apple TV and the existing HomePod devices.

So what can we expect from this eye-catching smart home display? Gurman notes that it will seamlessly integrate fundamental Apple applications such as Calendar, Notes, and Home, enhancing the ecosystem that many Apple users have come to adore. In a game-changing move, this device will also support advanced Apple Intelligence capabilities—an upgrade that sets it apart from the current offerings of the HomePod lineup.

The buzz has been building for quite some time, suggesting various configurations, including a hybrid between a HomePod and a smart display, or even a more futuristic model equipped with a robotic arm that could swivel to follow users during video calls. However, recent speculation indicates that Apple might steer towards a more practical, square-shaped design, also reported by 9to5Mac, which could feature gesture controls allowing users to operate the display from a distance.

Adding to the excitement, several references in code have hinted at homeOS and this mysterious new device, as noted by MacRumors. This new smart display could offer a radically simplified experience compared to trying to repurpose an iPad as a smart home controller—an attempt that many users have found to be cumbersome.

With Apple’s track record of innovating personal technology, the launch of this smart home display could dramatically transform how we manage and interact with our connected devices. As we wait for further details and potential release announcements, one thing is clear: the future of home technology may soon have the Apple touch. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting advancement in smart home capabilities!