WWDC 2025: Is Apple planning more than just new software?

WWDC 2025 is just around the corner, and it looks like Apple has something big in the pipeline again. Especially in the smart home sector, there are hints of new hardware and a matching operating system. Initial rumors point to the so-called HomePad—a device that will centrally control your home. An update to the Mac Pro could also be on the horizon.

Apple has significantly expanded its product portfolio in recent years, especially since the introduction of the Vision Pro and visionOS in 2023. Two years later, the next big step could now follow – an iPad-like device for your smart home. Information about this comes from various leaks and analyst reports, particularly from Ming-Chi Kuo. At the same time, hints of a new operating system called homeOS are emerging. WWDC, Apple's developer conference, would be the perfect venue for such an announcement.

New device for the smart home: the HomePad

According to multiple reports, Apple is working on a new product rumored to be HomePad. This is an iPad-like device designed to serve as a control center for smart home components. It will combine lights, cameras, speakers, thermostats, and other connected devices and make them centrally controllable. The HomePad would not just be a new device, but a kind of hub for Apple's smart home ecosystem. The hardware is said to be specifically optimized to manage many devices simultaneously – with a focus on clarity and ease of use.

Planned market launch in the third quarter

According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple plans to launch the HomePad in the third quarter of 2025. However, this schedule is subject to one condition: Siri must be technically up to date. Only when Apple's voice assistant is working reliably enough will the company officially announce the new product. This leaves two potential launch dates: either the Apple event in September or WWDC. The latter is supported by the fact that a new operating system specifically tailored to smart home devices will reportedly also be presented.

homeOS at a glance: features, release, compatibility

homeOS: New system for connected devices

The first references to homeOS appeared over a year ago. The term was first discovered in the system files of a beta version of iOS 17.4. Initially, it was unclear whether this was a new name for the HomePod software or a completely separate system. Now, there are many indications that homeOS will serve as the operating system for the planned HomePad. It would be specifically designed to control smart home devices and could appeal to developers who want to create their own software solutions for the Apple ecosystem. Presenting homeOS at WWDC would make sense—especially because the developer conference is the right place to establish a new platform. This would allow developers to prepare for the new hardware and its software requirements early on.

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What about the Mac Pro?

In addition to the smart home plans, there are also unanswered questions about the Mac line. The Mac Studio was equipped with the new M4 Max or, optionally, the M3 Ultra in the spring. The Mac Pro, on the other hand, still relies on the older M2 Max and M2 Ultra architecture. This means that Apple's most expensive model currently lags behind the Mac Studio in terms of performance – which doesn't live up to the Mac Pro's ambitions. An update at WWDC would therefore be a logical choice. In the past, Apple has used the developer conference several times for hardware updates, particularly for the Mac Pro.

WWDC 2025 as a possible turning point for Apple's product strategy

WWDC 2025 could be exciting for Apple users. A completely new device for the smart home is possible—including the associated operating system, homeOS. If Siri is ready, the HomePad could be launched this year. Added to that is the potential refresh of the Mac Pro, which is urgently needed from a performance perspective. Anyone interested in smart home technology, new Apple products, or powerful computers should keep an eye on this year's developer conference. Looking for new accessories? Visit our Amazon Storefront —there you'll find a variety of products from leading manufacturers, including HomeKit and more! (Image: Apple)