Apple next week will reportedly unveil a connected-home software platform at its annual developer conference, according to Financial Times.
Apple’s “big play” in the smart home space would involve turning the iPhone and iPad into a controller for connected devices in the house. The Apple TV would be integrated with the platform as well, according to the report.
Similar to its “Made for iPhone” label, Apple has been chatting with manufacturers about certification and Apple retail store space for connected home products. Products for the platform would be vetted by Apple for compatibility and security.
Apple last year patented an iOS control platform for smart home and media applications. Talk surfaced about Apple’s rumored iWatch possibly taking advantage of the connected-home controls as well.
Products like Apple TV have already made significant moves toward planting themselves in the home but Apple competitors like Google have been making splashing automation acquisitions to level the playing field. Google in January announced it was buying Nest Labs, maker of connected thermostats and smoke alarms, for $3.2 billion.
The news comes as Apple gets set for its annual WWDC developer conference in San Francisco, which kicks off June 2. The company is expected to reveal iOS 8.0 as well as a new version of OS X.
