Apple's 'Welcome Home' Event Puts Smart Home Products in Focus

According to Bloomberg, one of the rumored products is a smart home hub with a display that will also feature the newly released Siri AI assistant. MacRumors has obtained what appear to be official images of a new HomePod Mini with refreshed colors and a new Apple TV 4K with a design similar to the current version. Bloomberg has also reported that Apple is collaborating with LG on devices such as a video doorbell and a thermostat. Recent leaked renders appeared to show off some of those new devices.

The Verge’s coverage notes that Apple may have filed to trademark the word “HomeView.” The event’s tagline, “Welcome home,” is a strong hint at the company’s smart home ambitions. The Verge has also published pieces on how Apple can win the smart home and what to expect from the “Welcome Home” event. The event was announced as a surprise launch event.

The event takes place in New York at 9 a.m. ET. The current expectations rest on Bloomberg and MacRumors reports, along with leaked images and the trademark filing. The Verge is providing live coverage of the event and any product announcements.

Editor's Summary

Apple is holding a “Welcome home” event on October 13 in New York, with expectations centered on new smart home hardware. Reports point to a display-equipped home hub with the Siri AI assistant, a refreshed HomePod Mini, a new Apple TV 4K, and LG-partnered devices including a video doorbell and a thermostat. The event signals Apple’s continued push into the connected home market.