Apple May Launch New Smart Home Hub, HomePod Mini and Apple TV on October 13

Apple is reportedly preparing a new smart home lineup for October 13, including a display-equipped hub, updated HomePod mini and refreshed Apple TV with upgraded Siri capabilities.

Apple Reportedly Planning New Smart Home Product Launch

Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its smart home portfolio with three updated products. The expected lineup includes a new smart home hub, an upgraded HomePod mini and a refreshed Apple TV.

According to reports, the products could be unveiled on October 13, giving Apple a broader presence in the connected-home market.

The smart home hub is expected to be the most significant addition, while the HomePod mini and Apple TV are likely to receive internal hardware upgrades.

New Smart Home Hub Could Be the Main Attraction

The upcoming smart home hub is reportedly the centrepiece of Apple's new home-focused lineup.

Codenamed J490, the device is said to feature a roughly six-inch square display. It could serve as a central interface for controlling compatible smart home accessories and accessing Apple's services.

The hub is also expected to use camera-based recognition to identify household members and provide personalised content based on who is using it.

Hub Could Support FaceTime, Music and Photos

The reported device could offer several features beyond traditional smart home controls. Users may be able to make FaceTime calls, play music and view photos directly from the hub. Apple's ecosystem of applications is also expected to play an important role.

Potentially supported apps include Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music and Podcasts.

Unlike an iPad or iPhone, however, the hub reportedly may not include an App Store at launch.

Design Could Take Inspiration From iMac G4

The design of Apple's upcoming home hub is reportedly inspired by the distinctive iMac G4, particularly its compact display-oriented form. The device is expected to have a relatively small footprint, allowing it to function as a dedicated home control centre.

Its camera-based user recognition could provide personalised experiences, although reports indicate that the technology may not offer the same level of reliability as Face ID on the iPhone.

HomePod Mini Could Get Its First Major Update

Apple is also reportedly preparing an updated version of the HomePod mini.

The compact smart speaker has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 2020. The new version is expected to retain the existing design while receiving a faster processor to support Apple's next-generation Siri capabilities.

Apple could also introduce additional colour options, with pink and green reportedly among the possibilities. The hardware upgrade would give the HomePod mini a stronger role in Apple's developing smart home ecosystem.

Apple TV Expected to Receive Hardware Upgrade

The Apple TV is also reportedly due for an update.

The device is expected to retain its current overall design while receiving a more powerful chip. The additional processing capability could help support Apple's upgraded Siri features and other software improvements.

The last major Apple TV update arrived in 2022, making the reported refresh potentially significant for users of Apple's television and entertainment ecosystem.

Siri AI Is Reportedly Behind the Delay

The three products were reportedly planned for an earlier launch, but Apple is said to have delayed them to ensure they could support its improved Siri AI capabilities.

Reports suggest that the smart home hub's hardware was largely ready, but Apple wanted its new-generation voice assistant to be sufficiently advanced before introducing the devices.

This approach would allow the products to launch as part of a connected smart home platform rather than as standalone hardware updates.

Apple Working on More Smart Home Devices

Apple's smart home ambitions reportedly extend beyond the products expected to arrive first. The company is said to be developing an updated larger HomePod, although its release could happen at a later date.

Apple is also reportedly working on a privacy-focused home security camera and sensor system. The sensor could determine which room a person is occupying without requiring continuous video recording.

Such technology could allow Apple to offer personalised home experiences while placing greater emphasis on privacy.

Higher-End Hub Could Feature Robotic Display

Apple is reportedly developing a more advanced home hub with a larger nine-inch display. The device could feature a robotic arm capable of rotating the screen through 360 degrees, potentially allowing the display to follow users around a room.

The higher-end product would represent a more ambitious expansion of Apple's smart home hardware strategy.

Apple Exploring Third-Party Smart Home Products

The company's plans may also involve hardware made by other manufacturers. Reports suggest Apple is working with third-party companies on products designed for its emerging Siri-powered smart home platform.

This could help Apple expand the number of compatible devices within its home ecosystem while allowing users to connect different categories of smart accessories.

Launch Timing Comes Before iPhone Duo Pre-Orders

The reported smart home launch is expected to take place shortly before pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16.

If the October 13 launch goes ahead, Apple could use the event to highlight its broader hardware and AI strategy ahead of the next phase of its iPhone rollout.

However, the reported October 13 launch date and product specifications remain subject to Apple's official confirmation.

Conclusion

Apple’s reported smart home lineup could mark a significant expansion of its connected-home ecosystem, with the new hub expected to serve as the central device. Alongside an updated HomePod mini and Apple TV, the products could benefit from improved Siri AI capabilities. Apple is also reportedly exploring cameras, sensors and advanced home hubs, indicating a broader focus on AI-powered smart home experiences.