NEW YORK — Apple is preparing to unveil its push into household hardware next week at a launch event themed “Welcome home,” which will feature an in-person gathering in New York alongside an online presentation scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13.
The showcase is expected to mark the debut of a long-rumored smart display, often referred to as the “HomePad,” designed to function as a household control station powered by upgraded artificial intelligence, 9to5Mac and Bloomberg reported. The product arrives as Apple attempts to expand its footprint in living rooms and kitchens, where competitors such as Amazon and Google have long established smart screen lineups.
A hybrid smart screen with personal recognition
According to Bloomberg, the upcoming smart display will feature a six-inch square screen mounted on a rounded speaker base or designed for direct wall installation. The countertop design reportedly draws visual inspiration from the vintage iMac G4, using a small metal arm to elevate the screen above a half-dome base.
The hub is set to run a new operating system built on tvOS, known as “homeOS,” that incorporates elements from several Apple platforms, Engadget reported. The interface blends Apple Watch style icons, iPad-inspired applications, and widgets similar to the iPhone’s StandBy mode. While users can operate the system through touchscreen controls, voice interaction through an overhauled Siri powered by Apple Intelligence is expected to serve as the primary input method.
Rather than relying on the iPhone’s Face ID sensors, the display will use alternative detection sensors to recognize people approaching the screen, Bloomberg reported. That capability will allow the system to automatically adjust calendars, notifications, and application dashboards based on which family member is looking at the screen.
Updates for Apple TV and HomePod mini
Beyond the new display, Apple is scheduled to introduce refreshes for two existing living room devices, according to reports from 9to5Mac and CNET. The product announcements are expected to include:
- A refreshed Apple TV 4K streaming box equipped with an A19 or A19 Pro processor, marking the product’s first hardware update since November 2022 and enabling on-device Apple Intelligence capabilities.
- A second-generation HomePod mini that swaps out the aging S5 processor for a significantly faster chip capable of handling Apple’s modern voice assistant features.
- New color options for the compact speaker lineup, alongside software allowing users to link four full-size HomePod units into a surround sound setup with Apple TV.
The event may also highlight Apple’s broadening home accessories ecosystem. Leak reports detailed by The Verge indicate Apple has collaborated with LG on Matter-compatible devices, including a smart lock, thermostat, and cameras. Those accessories could introduce a “Proximity Control” feature, which brings up controls on an iPhone’s Dynamic Island when held near a compatible device.
It remains unconfirmed whether all hardware shown during the presentation will ship immediately. Bloomberg reported that the accessories co-developed with LG may not reach consumers for several months, and Apple has not yet disclosed official retail pricing or shipping dates for any of the products.
