Apple Sets 'Welcome home' Event for October 13, Expected to Unveil HomeView, New Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2

The headlining announcement is expected to be Apple's long-rumored smart display. Bloomberg says it will be called HomeView. Apple believes the product can serve as a central hub for the home, powered by Siri AI and Apple Intelligence. According to Bloomberg, the device will have a 6-inch square display atop a half-dome base, with a metal arm holding it up. It will reportedly come in two variations: one that can be mounted on a wall and one that can sit on a countertop. Reports have likened the design to Apple's iMac G4. One flagship feature will be its ability to recognize multiple people in a household. Mark Gurman reports that it can recognize who is talking to it or approaching it and dynamically adjust what is shown on the screen. In software, HomeView reportedly mixes elements of the Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPad, including iPad-like app designs and Apple Watch-style icons. It will also borrow heavily from the iPhone for widgets and StandBy mode. While HomeView will be announced tomorrow, the latest reporting says it will not be available until sometime in November.

Apple is also expected to announce a new Apple TV 4K, its first update to the set-top box since November 2022. The new Apple TV will look the same as its predecessor, but it will reportedly include the A19 or A19 Pro chip. That upgraded chip will allow Apple to bring Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features to the Apple TV for the first time. The new Apple TV could also have built-in microphones for Siri interactions. The Siri Remote, meanwhile, might add a speaker to make it easier to find if misplaced. Apple is also reportedly working on new software features for the Apple TV and HomePod. For example, there are code references to a new feature that would let you arrange four full-sized HomePods in a surround sound system when paired with Apple TV.

The HomePod mini will also get its first proper upgrade tomorrow. The big change is expected to be a new S10 chip that is much faster than the current model's S5 processor, bringing support for Siri AI. For context, the S5 chip used in the current HomePod mini is the same chip Apple debuted with the Apple Watch Series 5. Beyond the faster chip, the new HomePod mini 2 will reportedly come in new colors: pink, white, green, blue, and black.

Finally, Apple is working with LG on new 'second-party' accessories for HomeKit. Apple reportedly collaborated with LG to co-develop products including a smart lock, thermostat, doorbell, and multiple cameras. Bloomberg says Apple will not release these accessories for 'at least a few more months.' They could still be shown off as part of Apple's broader home strategy tomorrow, though. Leaked images have also revealed the new Home smart lock, thermostat, and cameras and doorbell associated with LG.