Apple officially confirmed yesterday that it will hold a product launch event next week on October 13. With the label “Welcome Home”, 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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Description Apple ‘Welcome home’
There are two components to the incident, as Ryan noted. There is an in-person experience for members of the newspaper in New York City, as well as what Mark Gurman has called “online video presentations.”
This indicates that we can expect the news release and video (or video) to drop around 9 am ET / 6 am PT on October 13th. Apple has not confirmed this, so the actual launch may vary. At least, we know it will be announced something on October 13, and some will see it in you while the rest of us watch from home.
What to expect
Smart Display ‘HomePad’
Next week’s headline announcement will be Apple’s long-rumored smart display product, which we’re calling the “HomePad.” Apple believes this product can be a central hub for your home, powered by Siri AI and Apple Intelligence.
according to BloombergThe device will have a 6-inch square display on a half-dome base, with a metal arm holding it up. News reports that the HomePad will have two models: one that can be mounted on a wall and one that can sit on a table. The report compared the design to Apple’s iconic iMac G4.
One of the main features of HomePad will be the ability to recognize multiple people in the household. Mark Gurman reports that it can recognize who is talking to it or approaching it and adjust the dynamic shown on the screen.
In terms of software, HomePad reportedly has different components of Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPad. This includes iPad-like app design and Apple Watch-style icons. It will also borrow more from the iPhone for widgets and Standby mode.
The new Apple TV 4K
Apple is also expected to announce a new Apple TV 4K next week, the first update to the set-top box since November 2022. The new Apple TV will look the same as its predecessor, but will reportedly have the A19 or A19 Pro chip.
The chip upgrade will allow Apple to bring Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features to Apple TV for the first time.
Apple is also reportedly working on new software features for Apple TV and HomePod. For example, there’s a code reference to a new feature that will let you arrange four full-size HomePods in a surround sound system when paired with an Apple TV.
HomePod mini 2
HomePod mini will also get its first proper upgrade next week. The big change here will be a new chip that’s faster than the current model’s S5 processor, which brings Siri AI support. For context, the S5 chip used in the current HomePod mini is the same chip that Apple launched with the Apple Watch Series 5.
In addition to a faster chip, the new HomePod mini 2 will reportedly come in new colors:
- Pink
- White
- Green
- Blue
- Black
Bonus: New ‘Second Person’ Smart Home Gadgets
Finally, Apple is working with LG on new “third-party” accessories for HomeKit. Apple has reportedly partnered with LG to jointly develop products including smart locks, thermostats, doorbells, and multiple cameras.
Bloomberg said that Apple will not release these accessories for “at least a few months.” They could also show up as part of Apple’s broader home strategy next week, though.
Wrap up
While we certainly have a good idea of what Apple will announce next week thanks to these rumors, I’m still very excited to see the company reveal its home roadmap. It feels like a genre that Apple has neglected for far too long, and one that it may 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 an all new HomePad or upgrade your Apple TV and HomePod mini? Let us know in the comments.
