homeOS to join Apple’s macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS?

Apple’s operating systems currently include macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Could “homeOS’ soon be joining them?

An Apple job listing mentions “homeOS,.” Developer Javier Lacort spotted it (as reported by MacRumors). The job listing is for a senior iOS engineer for Apple Music. It says the person hired will “get to work with system engineers across Apple, learning the inner-workings of iOS, watchOS, tvOS and homeOS.”

What is homeOS?

homeOS is most likely a rebranding of HomeKit, but who knows? HomeKit is a software framework by Apple. It allows users to configure, communicate with, and control smart-home appliances using the company’s devices. Also, it provides users with a way to automatically discover such devices and configure them.

And there is/was another HomeOS

Interestingly, HomeOS (with a capital “H”) is the working title of a home automation operating system that was being developed at Microsoft Research. Announced in 2010, it never gained traction. iSome staff who worked on the HomeOS project cited Microsoft’s then-CEO Steve Ballmer’s focus on other projects as the reason for the stalled development of HomeOS. (By the way, the accompanying graphic is the icon for that project, and isn’t from Apple.)

Worldwide Developer Conference

Likely, we’ll get more details at next week’s (virtual) Worldwide Developer Conference. WWDC21 kicks off with the Apple Keynote at 10 a.m. (Pacific) on Monday, June 7. The tech giant will unveil new updates coming to all Apple platforms later this year. The keynote address will be available via apple.com, the Apple Developer app, the Apple TV app, and YouTube. On-demand playback will be available after the conclusion of the stream.

Also, the “Platforms State of the Union” will be delivered on June 7 at 2 p.m. (Pacific). It will offer “a deeper dive into the new tools, technologies, and advances across Apple platforms that will help Apple developers create even better apps.” The “Platforms State of the Union” will stream via the Apple Developer app and the Apple Developer website.

Finally, the Apple Design Awards will be held on June 10 at 2 p.m. (Pacific). They celebrate the creative artistry, craftsmanship, and technical achievement of Apple developers. The Apple Design Awards will stream via the Apple Developer app and the Apple Developer website.