Apple Sets Oct. 13 Home Event; HomePad, New HomePod mini and Apple TV Expected

The most closely watched hardware is a screen-equipped device code-named J490, widely called HomeHub or HomePad. Bloomberg reported that it is inspired by the 2002 iMac G4 and has a roughly 6-inch square touchscreen attached by an adjustable metal arm to a circular speaker base. It has no battery and requires a USB-C cable for continuous power, and Apple has also prepared a wall-mounted version. The device is expected to run an internal system code-named Charismatic, possibly named homeOS, and to use a front camera and microphone to identify family members. When someone approaches, Siri is expected to recognize the person and switch the interface to that person's calendar and reminders; it would switch again for another family member, while hiding private information when a guest approaches. Bloomberg reported that the recognition is less reliable than Face ID and that users can require confirmation through an iPhone. MacRumors said the device may not have a standalone App Store and is positioned more as a communal hub for a kitchen counter or bedside table than as an iPad replacement.

Apple's HomePod mini is also expected to receive a hardware update. MacRumors found references to a 'HomePod mini 2' in Apple system code, with green, pink, blue, white and black color options. Other leaks expect Wi-Fi 7, an N1 chip and second-generation UWB. The same code suggests a four-speaker surround configuration, with speakers placed in front of the TV and behind the sofa, plus automatic room calibration and speaker location detection. A 'Party Mode' is also mentioned, allowing playback adjustments so music spreads more evenly through a room. For the living room, an updated Apple TV 4K may use an A19 or A19 Pro chip, with RAM increasing from 4GB to 8GB or 12GB, according to MacRumors. The report also points to an N1 wireless chip, Wi-Fi 7 and a new Siri Remote. Apple support documents have already referred to an 'Apple TV 4K (third generation or newer).' HomePods in a home theater group may also be able to hand Siri requests to a compatible Apple TV.

Apple has continued to invest in content. In July, Ternus and Cook appeared on the red carpet for the fourth season of 'Ted Lasso,' saying the company would continue its film and television business. John Cena's 'Matchbox: The Movie' is set to launch on Oct. 9, and a Chris Pratt-starring film is scheduled for Nov. 20.

Apple is also working with LG on home hardware. Bloomberg reported that the two companies are jointly developing smart locks, video doorbells, smart thermostats and environmental sensors. The accessories follow a second-party model: Apple participates in design and engineering, while LG handles manufacturing, branding, sales and after-sales support. Leaked renders and regulatory filings indicate an LG-branded smart lock supports Matter, Thread and UWB, allowing an iPhone to unlock the door by proximity without being taken out of a pocket. LG already has a broad appliance business and has acquired the developer of the smart home platform Homey. Apple and LG previously partnered on UltraFine monitors. LG has also worked with Aqara since 2019, and some Aqara locks support Apple Home Keys. Bloomberg's latest report also mentioned Schneider Electric. The LG accessories are behind Apple's own devices in development and may be months away from reaching consumers, Bloomberg said.

Apple is planning another hardware event around Oct. 27 for Mac and iPad, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Expected products include a MacBook Pro with an M6 chip, a new iMac, an OLED iPad mini 8 and a thinner high-end MacBook Pro with touch support. If those plans materialize, Apple will hold three product events in two months: iPhones in September, home devices in October and Macs and iPads later in October.

For users in mainland China, one question remains unresolved. Apple has not opened the new Siri AI in mainland China. If the home screen device is eventually sold there, how much of its personalization capability it can retain is unclear. How well home control, music and photos can justify its daily value will also be a practical question after the event.

In the teaser, Gurman read a pun: the thread moving through the fabric matches the name of the smart home wireless protocol Thread. The six-color rainbow logo was designed by Rob Janoff for the Apple II in 1977. Apple's 50th anniversary falls this year, and the company has used the rainbow logo in anniversary visuals. 'Welcome home.' was already used as an advertising theme for the first HomePod in 2018. Eight years later, Apple is trying to use a communal screen and a new Siri to organize its system, speakers, locks and existing home control features into a more complete home experience.

Editor's Summary Apple's Oct. 13 New York event is expected to center on a HomePad/HomeHub screen, a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K, with more Mac and iPad launches rumored later in October. Apple is also preparing LG-made smart home accessories and has not resolved how its new Siri AI will work in mainland China. The event marks a push to turn Apple's home products from separate devices into a shared household computing platform.