Apple Expected to Unveil Smart Home Hub and Updated Devices on October 13

Apple will hold a product event on Tuesday, October 13, and is expected to use it to expand its presence in the smart home market. The company has released a “Welcome home” teaser.

The rumored lineup includes Apple’s first dedicated home hub, a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time (13:00 UTC). Selected members of the media have also been invited to an Apple Experience event in Tribeca, New York.

Home Hub With a 6-Inch Display

The hub is reportedly being designed with a square 6-inch display. Apple is said to be considering a tabletop version resembling the iMac G4 and a separate wall-mounted model; its starting price could be about $350.

Its reported operating system would combine customizable clocks and photo displays with Apple Watch-style icons and iPad-like layouts. Possible apps include FaceTime, Music, Calendar and Notes.

Facial and voice recognition could provide personalized profiles, while a guest mode would conceal personal information from visitors. Siri AI is expected to be central to the new devices.

Updated Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini

The Apple TV 4K may retain its current design while adding an A19 or A19 Pro chip, more memory, Apple’s N1 networking chip and an updated Siri Remote. The changes are expected to improve gaming performance and support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.

The HomePod mini 2 is also reportedly set to keep its current design. Leaked images suggest green, pink and light-blue finishes in addition to white and black, while a faster S-series chip would support Siri AI.

A full-sized HomePod is reportedly planned for a later date. Software findings have also pointed to a possible four-HomePod surround-sound mode.

LG Partnership and Future Devices

Apple is reportedly working with LG on a broader ecosystem for the hub. The planned products may include a video doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor and indoor, outdoor and floodlight cameras.

Apple’s longer-term plans reportedly include a privacy-focused camera and sensor designed to analyze the home without recording video. A higher-end hub with a 9-inch display mounted on a robotic arm is also said to remain in development.