Apple is finally getting into the smart-home hub game. Here is everything reported so far about the rumored October 13 launch.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports Apple plans its big smart-home push on Tuesday, October 13. It would be the company's first major hardware event under new CEO John Ternus.
Reports describe a smart-home hub with a roughly 6-inch square touchscreen on an iMac-G4-inspired hemispherical base. It reportedly doubles as a speaker, like a HomePod with a screen.
The HomePad is said to come in two versions: a tabletop model and a wall-mounted one. One sits on your counter; the other works like a whole-home control panel.
A leaker claims the HomePad will ship in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink, with a "Photo Face" setup screen. Apple has not confirmed any of this.
The hub is said to run a new OS blending iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Siri AI sits at the center, with widgets, FaceTime, Intercom, and smart-home controls built in.
The HomePod mini is reportedly getting its first refresh since 2020. Expect the same design with a faster chip and new colors.
A new Apple TV is also expected — the first since 2022 — with a faster processor. Deeper Siri AI integration is said to be part of the package.
Facial and voice recognition reportedly personalize the hub for whoever is in front of it. A visitor mode is said to hide your personal information from guests.
The HomePad is positioned as the control center for HomeKit devices — lights, locks, thermostats, and cameras. It would rival Amazon's Echo Show and Google's Nest Hub.
Amazon and Google have owned the smart-display category for years. Apple's pitch: deeper HomeKit integration and its signature privacy stance.
Per Gurman, the full-size HomePod — last refreshed in 2023 — is not getting an update at this event. Apple Stores did reportedly receive "Do Not Open Until October 8" boxes believed to be display units.