Apple may unveil a smart home hub, HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K on October 13

Apple may hold a product presentation on October 13. Bloomberg reports that the company plans to unveil a new smart home hub, a second-generation HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K model.

Apple has not confirmed the event format. Earlier, Daring Fireball’s John Gruber identified October 13 as a possible date for selected reviewers to receive iPhone Duo units in person.

A possible online Apple presentation

Gruber argued that Apple was unlikely to introduce the smart home hub only through an Apple Newsroom post because it would be a new device with a new interface. He said the product would require a video presentation and a media event with demonstrations.

If that assessment is correct, Apple could stream an online event on its website and YouTube, followed by an in-person media session for hands-on access to the announced products.

Apple’s previous October format

Apple used a similar arrangement in October 2023: on October 24, it announced an online event for October 30, streamed on its website and YouTube. Later that day, selected journalists and content creators were allowed to try the Macs unveiled at the event in person.

Reviewers could receive iPhone Duo units during such a session. That would allow Apple to avoid mailing a device that the source says was due to launch on October 23; Apple typically distributes review units about a week before release.

The October 13 event remains unconfirmed. If Apple is preparing one, its announcement is expected next week.