Apple to Focus on Smart Home at Oct. 13 'Welcome home' Event

Bloomberg reports that the device, referred to as the 'HomePad,' will have a 6-inch square display. It can be attached to a round, HomePod mini-style speaker or to a smaller audio setup that mounts alongside the display on a wall. The main way to interact with the HomePad is Siri AI, but the device's new tvOS-based 'homeOS' will also support touchscreen interactions and include customizable interface elements from the Apple Watch and the iPhone's StandBy mode. According to Bloomberg, the smart display will be able to run iPadOS-style apps, which could allow video streaming and other features if developers support it.

Beyond showing Siri AI's ability to work with Apple's HomeKit platform, Apple reportedly plans for the device to detect who is looking at it and adjust its interface and apps accordingly. Engadget reports that the feature will not rely on Apple's Face ID technology from the iPhone. It could let the HomePad change which calendar or notifications it displays depending on who is looking at the screen.

Apple is also expected to update the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K. Apple limits access to Siri AI based on a device's A-series or M-series chip, so the current HomePod mini's S5 chip from the Apple Watch Series 5 and the Apple TV 4K's A15 Bionic chip from the iPhone 13 would need to be replaced. Bloomberg reports that both devices will get faster chips that can run Siri AI, along with modest design updates. The new Apple TV 4K will reportedly use at least an A19 chip from the iPhone 17 lineup and come with a slightly redesigned remote. MacRumors reports that the HomePod mini will come in new colors including green, pink, blue, black and white, and will likely use a chip from a recent Apple Watch so it can handle Siri AI prompts. Apple is also reportedly working on support for surround sound setups with HomePods, an expansion of the stereo HomePod setups it currently offers through the Apple TV.

Previous reports suggested Apple was working on its own privacy-focused cameras as part of its smart home lineup, but Bloomberg now reports they might not be sold under Apple's name. The company is reportedly collaborating with LG Electronics to create smart locks, doorbells, thermostats and temperature sensors. The devices will work with Apple's smart home ecosystem but will be manufactured, sold and supported by LG. A later leak suggested similar third-party devices will also come from Schneider Electric, which is apparently making a thermostat for the launch. The leak mentioned a Schneider Home Smart Thermostat and a Schneider Electric temperature/humidity sensor; only the thermostat shows placeholder setup assets, and its setup configuration mentions Proximity Settings.

Engadget notes that this does not necessarily preclude Apple from releasing its own versions of these devices later, but it does suggest Apple will not make the first accessories designed for this new era of HomeKit. Considering the threat Apple's scale and reach poses to other smart home product makers, the report says it is probably the right move to play nice.