Apple officially confirmed yesterday that it will hold a product launch event next week on October 13. With a “Welcome home” tagline, the launch is expected to focus on new smart home products. Here’s everything to expect at next week’s Apple event.
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Apple ‘Welcome home’ details
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.
What to expect
Next week’s headlining announcement will be Apple’s long-rumored smart display product, which we’ve been calling the “HomePad.” 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 HomePad 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 HomePad 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 HomePad 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.
New Apple TV 4K
Apple is also expected to announce a new Apple TV 4K next week, 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.
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.
HomePod mini 2
The HomePod mini will also get its first proper upgrade next week. The big change here will be a new 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:
- Pink
- White
- Green
- Blue
- Black
Bonus: New ‘second-party’ smart home gear
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.
Bloombergsays 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 next week, though.
- Apple’s new ‘second-party’ accessories for Home are bigger than we thought, per leak
- Leaked images reveal Apple’s new Home smart lock, thermostat, more for LG
- Apple’s new Home cameras and doorbell with LG revealed in leaked images
- Apple’s new ‘second-party’ HomeKit products will have this exclusive iPhone feature
Wrap up
While we obviously have a pretty good idea of what Apple will announce next week 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 next week.
What are you most excited to see at Apple’s “Welcome home” event next week? Are you planning to buy the all-new HomePad or upgrade your Apple TV and HomePod mini? Let us know down in the comments.
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