Apple’s “Welcome home” launch takes place tomorrow, October 13, with the company expected to unveil its biggest expansion into smart home hardware yet.
Fresh reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has filled in many of the remaining details ahead of the event, pointing to three headline products: the all-new HomeView, a second-generation HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K.
Apple’s New York media experience begins at 9 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. UK time. The Apple Post has a separate guide to the October 13 timing and how to follow the announcements.
The biggest new product is expected to be HomeView, Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub built around a display, Siri AI and an A18 chip. It is designed to act as a shared control point for the home, bringing together smart home controls, communication, media and glanceable information.
Two versions are reportedly planned. A countertop model is expected to pair the display with a metal speaker base, while a second version will mount directly to a wall. The Apple Post reported today on the two designs and their expected color options. The device is also expected to rely heavily on Siri rather than operate like a conventional iPad, with no dedicated App Store reportedly planned.
The HomePod mini is expected to receive its first major hardware refresh since the original model launched in 2020. The new version is reportedly moving from the S5 chip to the much newer S10, alongside refreshed colors and deeper integration with Apple’s new Siri AI experience. More details on the HomePod mini 2 hardware and colors are available here.
Apple TV 4K is also expected to keep its familiar external design while receiving a significant upgrade inside. The new model is reportedly set to use an A19 chip, with Apple also having tested built-in microphones for hands-free Siri and a Siri Remote with its own speaker. The Apple Post has covered those Apple TV tests in more detail.
The updated HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K are reportedly scheduled to reach customers and stores on Friday, October 30. HomeView is expected to follow around the middle of November, giving Apple a staggered rollout for the three devices.
Apple is also expected to use the launch to highlight a wider collection of Home-compatible accessories developed with partners including LG, spanning products such as cameras, a video doorbell, thermostat and smart lock. Those accessories are expected to arrive later rather than alongside the first wave of Apple hardware.
The final lineup is now considerably clearer than when The Apple Post first previewed the October 13 launch, with HomeView, HomePod mini 2 and Apple TV 4K shaping up as the three products to watch when Apple’s “Welcome home” announcements begin tomorrow.
For the latest announcements and product coverage throughout Apple’s “Welcome home” launch, download The Apple Post app on iPhone and iPad.