Apple’s new ‘Charismatic’ smart home OS is getting set to take on Alexa and Google

HomePod with display concept render — (Image credit: Yanko Design)

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman recently wrote an article about Apple working to enter the smart home space with robots and other AI platforms. The news was heavily reported by nearly every publication at the time, including our piece that broke down Apple's smart robot plans.

However, few people discussed a key piece of information from Gurman's reporting: Apple is reportedly working on an entirely new operating system for its smart home devices, which it has codenamed "Charismatic."

What we know about 'Charismatic'

Recent years have seen Apple stick with the same operating systems — iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS and macOS. It's been a while since Apple has introduced anything new in the operating system space. The company rolling out a new OS for smart home devices is a big deal.

Why? Because it shows that Apple is committed to making its smart home hub stand out — it's not just adapting its existing large-screen operating systems, it's allegedly designing something new.

Google and Amazon have established strong footholds in the smart home market, and Apple's HomePod devices haven't gained as much traction. If a screen-based hub is introduced in the near future with a brand-new Apple OS, it could draw more attention and allow Apple to establish itself as a major player in the smart home world.

How will 'Charismatic' work?

A photo of an iPad running Apple Home alongside an Apple HomePod mini and an Apple TV — (Image credit: Future)

It sounds like Apple's new smart home operating system is all about support for multiple users with seamless switching.

"The devices are meant to be easily shared: They include a front-facing camera that can scan users' faces as they walk toward it and then automatically change the layout, features and content to the preferences of that person," said Gurman in his report.

As far as using Apple's new OS goes, it sounds like Siri will be a significant part of it, much like Alexa and Google Assistant run smart homes alongside other major players in the space. Gurman also mentions a touchscreen component, which is to be expected if the device is meant to serve as a true hub for all connected devices.

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Dave LeClair is the Senior News Editor for Tom's Guide, keeping his finger on the pulse of all things technology. He loves taking the complicated happenings in the tech world and explaining why they matter. Whether Apple is announcing the next big thing in the mobile space or a small startup advancing generative AI, Dave will apply his experience to help you figure out what's happening and why it's relevant to your life.

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