Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In a report this week, he said the operating system will feature a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces.
The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition, the report said the hub can identify who is looking at the display and show personalized information. As a user approaches the hub, or moves away from it, the size of the interface elements will automatically change.
The operating system could be named homeOS, according to trademark activity from a shell company that is potentially linked to Apple.
The hub will essentially combine a HomePod-like speaker with a 7-inch display. Siri AI is expected to be at the core of the new operating system, and other rumored features include FaceTime video calls, home security monitoring, HomeKit accessory management, photo galleries, a calendar, music playback, and more.
Some of the preinstalled Apple apps that will apparently be available on the new platform include Calendar, Camera, Music, Reminders, and Notes.
Finally, the platform will reportedly have multi-user support.
These are only the details that have been rumored so far, so we will have to wait for Apple's announcement to learn more. The company is expected to release its home hub at some point between October of this year and early next year.
