Apple Said to Launch HomePad Hub on October 13 With New 'homeOS' Software

According to a recent Bloomberg report, homeOS draws on design elements from several existing Apple platforms. It is said to use iPhone-style widgets, iPad-like app designs and Apple Watch-style icons on its Home Screen. Gurman reported that the default interface is built heavily around photo slideshows and clock displays, similar to the new StandBy Mode on the upcoming iPhone Duo. Users would be able to swipe up from the clock screen or the photos to open the app launcher. 9to5Mac noted that several leaks over the past week have shown a Photo Face in homeOS.

Siri AI is expected to be the primary way users interact with the system. On his podcast, Gurman described the software as an answer to the question of what an operating system would look like if Siri AI had its own OS, rather than being an app or an interface on a phone. He said the concept centers on personal search and personal context, letting users ask for songs, podcasts, notes, calendar items and photos tailored to them.

Voice is not the only input method. Apple apps and a Home Screen are also part of homeOS, and Siri AI can be used to control those apps while touch input is supported as well. According to the report, built-in apps include Music, Podcasts, Photos, Weather, FaceTime, Notes, Calendar, Messages and Reminders, among others. No App Store is expected on the device, though third-party widgets can be brought over from an iPhone. As with the current HomePod, the intent is that most interactions with homeOS happen through Siri.

Apple has not publicly detailed the HomePad or confirmed the name homeOS; the product name, launch date and software details in the reports have not been announced by the company.