Apple officially confirmed that it will hold a product launch event tomorrow, October 13. With a “Welcome home” tagline, the launch is expected to focus on new smart home products. Here’s everything to expect at tomorrow’s Apple event.
There are two components to the event, as Ryan outlined. There is the in-person experience for members of the press in New York City, as well as what Mark Gurman has called an “online video presentation.”
This suggests we can expect press releases and a video (or videos) to drop around 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT on October 13. Apple hasn’t confirmed this, so the actual launch might vary. At a minimum, though, we know it will announce something on October 13, and some people will see it in person while the rest of us follow along from home.
Tomorrow’s headlining announcement will be Apple’s long-rumored smart display product, which Bloomberg says will be called HomeView. Apple believes that this product can serve as a central hub for your house, powered by Siri AI and Apple Intelligence.
According to Bloomberg, the device will have a 6-inch square display atop a half-dome base, with a metal arm holding it up. The HomeView will reportedly come in two variations: one that can be mounted on a wall and one that can sit on a countertop. Reports have likened the design to Apple’s iconic iMac G4.
One of the flagship features of the HomeView will be its ability to recognize multiple people in a household. Mark Gurman reports that it can recognize who is talking to it or approaching it and dynamically adjust what’s shown on the screen.
In terms of software, the HomeView reportedly mixes different elements of the Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPad. This includes iPad-like app designs and Apple Watch-style icons. It will also heavily borrow from the iPhone for widgets and StandBy mode.
Finally, while HomeView will be announced tomorrow, the latest reporting is that it won’t be available until sometime in November.
Apple is also expected to announce a new Apple TV 4K, its first update to the set-top box since November 2022. The new Apple TV will look the same as its predecessor, but it will reportedly include the A19 or A19 Pro chip.
That upgraded chip will allow Apple to bring Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features to the Apple TV for the first time.
The new Apple TV could also have built-in microphones for Siri interactions. The Siri Remote, meanwhile, might add a speaker to make it easier to find if you misplace it.
Apple is also reportedly working on new software features for the Apple TV and HomePod. For example, there are code references to a new feature that would let you arrange four full-sized HomePods in a surround sound system when paired with Apple TV.
The HomePod mini will also get its first proper upgrade tomorrow. The big change here will be a new S10 chip that is much faster than the current model’s S5 processor, bringing support for Siri AI. For context, the S5 chip used in the current HomePod mini is the same chip Apple debuted with the Apple Watch Series 5.
Beyond the faster chip, the new HomePod mini 2 will reportedly come in new colors:
Finally, Apple is working with LG on new “second-party” accessories for HomeKit. Apple reportedly collaborated with LG to co-develop products including a smart lock, thermostat, doorbell, and multiple cameras.
Bloomberg says Apple won’t release these accessories for “at least a few more months.” They could still be shown off as part of Apple’s broader home strategy tomorrow, though.
While we obviously have a pretty good idea of what Apple will announce tomorrow thanks to these rumors, I’m still really excited to see the company unveil its home roadmap. It’s felt like a category Apple has neglected for far too long, and one it might finally start taking seriously tomorrow.
What are you most excited to see at Apple’s “Welcome home” event tomorrow? Are you planning to buy the all-new HomeView or upgrade your Apple TV and HomePod mini? Let us know down in the comments.
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