It may not be a complete “Jetsons” future, but it might be Apple automating parts of your home.
And it might be announced as early as next week at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco.
Per The Mac Observer and Financial Times, anonymous sources have told the Financial Times that Apple will unveil its plans on June 2 in front of developers and the media. Apple will introduce a new platform for controlling in-home devices such as lights, appliances, and security systems that will also tie in to a new version of Apple TV to be introduced later this year.
Apple’s home automation system will be able to handle tasks like turning on the lights when users get home through some form of wireless communication. Considering Apple’s push into its own iBeacons technology, that’s the most likely system for Apple to use, although some analysts are still expecting the company to finally bring NFC technology to its handheld devices. Other companies, such as Google, have also begun to push into the home automation market through products like Nest, indicating that the waters may be inviting for this form of business.
The company has reportedly been talking with device makers to incorporate its home automation technology into their products. Those manufacturers will most likely have to go through a certification process similar to its “Made for iPhone” program to ensure compatibility and privacy.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.