Apple Hints at “Apple Home” Branding Shift Amidst Smart Home Platform Delays

Evidence suggesting Apple is preparing to rebrand its home automation platform has surfaced within beta software for Apple TV devices. Israeli technology website The Verifier first reported finding references to “Apple Home” within the Settings app of compatible Apple TV models running tvOS 26 beta, a discovery subsequently confirmed by MacRumors. This indicates a potential phasing out of the existing “HomeKit” branding. An example of this change appears in an error message stating that an iCloud connection and integration with “Apple Home” will be unavailable until a default user is added to the device.

The rebranding comes amidst reports of delays impacting Apple’s broader smart home initiatives, which were previously anticipated for unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2025. Industry speculation has long pointed toward the introduction of a dedicated “homeOS,” but this launch appears to be linked to ongoing challenges with Apple’s redesigned Siri. The company initially showcased its enhanced virtual assistant during WWDC 2024, subsequently announcing a postponement of its release until sometime in 2026. This setback has reportedly rippled across several associated home-focused projects, pushing their timelines further out.