Apple has announced a product launch for Tuesday, October 13, teased with the phrase "Welcome home" — a strong signal that the company is finally ready to ship the smart home hardware it has been rumored to be developing for years. An "Apple Experience" is set for 9 a.m. ET in Tribeca, New York, where invited media are expected to get hands-on time.
The headline device is the long-rumored home hub, described as a cross between an iPad and a HomePod: a roughly 6- to 7-inch square display, Siri AI integration and voice as the primary interface. Apple reportedly envisions buyers putting one in several rooms, with both a wall-mounted version and one on a half-dome speaker base reminiscent of the iMac G4. A camera and presence sensor would detect who is in the room and tailor the interface; pricing is rumored around $350.
Also expected are a new Apple TV 4K with an A19 or A19 Pro chip, more RAM, Apple's N1 wireless chip and an upgraded Siri Remote, plus a refreshed HomePod mini with new colors, the same N1 chip and a faster S-series processor. An OLED iPad mini could appear as well. Mac hardware is also on the October calendar, but rumor has it those will come in a separate launch later in the month — the higher-end MacBook Pro redesign is now expected to slip to 2027.
