Apple's homeOS 26 Development Continues Despite WWDC 2025 Absence

Apple Inc. is reportedly continuing the development of its homeOS 26, a new software platform designed to power its smart home devices, despite its absence from the recent Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. According to Mark Gurman, a well-respected journalist at Bloomberg, the company had initially intended to announce homeOS during a March event, which was ultimately canceled due to delays in the rollout of new Siri features. Consequently, this postponement has led to speculation regarding the operating system's future and its integration with upcoming hardware.

The homeOS 26 is anticipated to serve as a sub-branch of tvOS, specifically tailored for smart home products such as HomePods and other connected devices. This new operating system is expected to streamline the connectivity and functionality of Apple's home-related offerings, which have been gaining traction in the rapidly evolving smart home market.

As part of Apple’s broader strategy to enhance its ecosystem, the company is reportedly developing several innovative products to complement homeOS 26. These include a new HomePod with a display capable of showing weather updates, music, and videos; a premium tabletop device priced around $1,000, which aims to compete with the Amazon Echo Show; and various smart home devices such as security cameras and smart locks equipped with Face ID technology.

Despite the absence of homeOS 26 from WWDC 2025, Gurman emphasizes that Apple is likely to unveil the operating system at a consumer-focused event, rather than a developer-centric one. This strategy aligns with Apple's ongoing commitment to improving user experience, which Gurman argues could be compromised if the software is released without the accompanying Siri features.

The smart home market is expected to reach $174 billion by 2025, according to a report by Statista, reflecting a significant opportunity for Apple as it seeks to position itself as a leader in this space. Industry experts like Dr. Emily Foster, an Assistant Professor at Stanford University specializing in technology integration, note that Apple’s approach may be pivotal in determining its competitive edge against rivals such as Amazon and Google.

In summary, while the absence of homeOS 26 from WWDC 2025 may raise questions about its immediate future, Apple’s commitment to developing this software suggests that it is positioning itself for a robust entry into the smart home market. Analysts and consumers alike will be watching closely for further announcements that could signal the official release of both homeOS 26 and the new hardware that will leverage its capabilities. The implications of this development could significantly reshape the smart home landscape, potentially enhancing how users interact with technology in their daily lives.