Apple is expected to unveil its first smart home hub at its October 13 event, according to *Bloomberg*'s Mark Gurman. The hub is rumored to feature a square 6-inch display, a new operating system combining customizable clock and photo displays, Apple Watch-style app icons, and iPad-like layouts. Apps such as FaceTime, Music, Calendar, and Notes should make it useful for quick interactions throughout the day. Facial and voice recognition will bring up individual profiles, while a guest mode will hide personal information from visitors. The device is rumored to start at around $350.
The launch is also expected to include a new Apple TV 4K and a HomePod mini 2. The Apple TV is rumored to use an A19 or A19 Pro chip, additional memory, Apple's N1 networking chip, and an updated Siri Remote, while keeping its existing design. The hardware should improve gaming performance and enable Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. The HomePod mini 2 is expected to retain its current design, with leaked images revealing green, pink, and lighter blue finishes alongside white and black. A faster S-series chip would support Siri AI.
All three devices are expected to center on Siri AI, following years of delays. The timing also reflects reported efforts under CEO John Ternus to introduce products more frequently and accelerate development.
Apple's reported collaboration with LG could further expand the ecosystem around the home hub. The planned lineup includes a video doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, and several cameras, all carrying LG branding with Apple reportedly contributing to development. A full-sized HomePod is also reportedly planned for a later date.
Source: MacRumors · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing