Apple is hosting its second fall event on October 13, and the "Welcome home" tagline on its invitation strongly suggests a focus on smart home products. Depending on your perspective, the company's entry into the space can be traced back to the Apple TV, HomeKit or the first HomePod, but this new push is reportedly built around improved Siri AI functionality and several new pieces of hardware to run it.
The star of the lineup will reportedly be Apple's first smart display, which Bloomberg calls the "Home Pad." It is said to feature a 6-inch square display available attached to a round, HomePod mini-style speaker or a smaller audio setup mounted on a wall. Siri AI will be the primary way to interact with it, supported by a new tvOS-based "home OS" that adds touchscreen interaction and customizable interface elements similar to the Apple Watch and iPhone's StandBy mode. It may also run iPad OS-style apps, opening the door to video streaming.
Apple also reportedly plans to update the Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini with faster chips capable of running Siri AI, along with modest design changes. The new Apple TV 4K may use at least an A19 chip from the iPhone 17 lineup and a slightly redesigned remote. The HomePod mini is expected to arrive in green, pink, blue, black and white, according to MacRumors. Apple is also reportedly working on surround sound support for HomePods.
Previous reports suggested Apple would sell its own privacy-focused cameras, but Bloomberg now says they may not carry the Apple name. The company is reportedly collaborating with LG Electronics on smart locks, doorbells, thermostats and temperature sensors that would work with Apple's ecosystem but be manufactured, sold and supported by LG. A later leak suggested similar third-party devices will also come from Schneider Electric.
Source: Engadget · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing