Apple working on home automation abilities for the iPhone

Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) is scheduled for the 2nd of June and we still don't have an idea of what exactly to expect. The date is fast approaching however, and the latest rumors are now pointing to next Monday bringing with it new uses for the iPhone.

According to The Financial Times, Apple is readying a new software platform that would integrate iPhones into the home automation industry. This new technology would be part of a "Smart Home" initiative, with numerous applications such as the ability to turn on lights and other appliances immediately upon connecting to a home Wi-Fi network. In addition, Apple is reportedly in talks with certain manufacturers and would create a certification process to identify compatible products.

The new software platform is also expected to stress the importance of privacy and security, a point that Apple hopes to use in combatting Google and their recent acquisition of the automated thermostat, Nest. It is also possible that this initiative is indeed the new product category that Tim Cook has been promising for ages, but we'll have to wait a couple days to find out.

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