The MacRumors Show / All-New Apple Smart Home Products Are Coming
On this week’s episode of The Woozad Show, we look forward to Apple’s recently announced event on October 13 and its anticipated push into the smart home market, including a dedicated home hub, the HomePod mini 2, and a new Apple TV.
00:00 Introduction
00:57 Apple’s next Smart Home event
03:28 John Ternus’ vision for Apple
12:05 p.m. Apple Smart Home Hub
27:02 Apple partnership with LG
30:25 HomeKit reliability and redesign of the home app
36:46 Apple TV 4K upgrades
39:44 HomePod mini 2
44:40 iPhone Duo pre-orders and colors
45:29 Hartley’s iPhone 18 Pro and Apple Watch upgrades
Apple expected to introduce its first smart home hub, a new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV 4K, according to BloombergIt’s Mark Gurman. Siri AI is expected to be at the heart of all three devices, after years of delay.
The imminent launch also comes amid Apple’s reported efforts under CEO John Ternus to introduce products more frequently and accelerate development. Moving beyond the predictable spring and fall release cycles could give Apple more opportunities to experiment, especially in categories where existing products have lasted for years without substantial hardware changes.
The home hub is expected to feature a 6-inch square screen, with a tabletop version resembling the iMac G4 and a separate wall-mounted model. Its new operating system would combine customizable clock and photo displays, Apple Watch-style app icons, and iPad-like layouts. A range of apps including FaceTime, Music, Calendar, Notes, and more. should make it useful for quick interactions throughout the day. Facial and voice recognition will bring up individual profiles, while a guest mode will hide visitors’ personal information. The device is rumored to cost around $350.
The Apple TV 4K is rumored to tout an A19 or A19 Pro chip, additional memory, Apple’s N1 networking chip, and an updated Siri remote, while retaining its existing design. The hardware is expected to improve gaming performance and enable Apple Intelligence and Siri AI.
The HomePod mini 2 is also expected to retain its current design, with leaked images revealing green, pink and lighter blue finishes alongside white and black. A faster S-series chip would support Siri AI. A new full-size HomePod is reportedly planned for a later date. Furthermore, the software results indicate a HomePod quad surround sound mode.
The announced collaboration between Apple and LG could help expand the ecosystem around the home hub. The planned lineup includes a video doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat and temperature sensor, as well as indoor, outdoor and floodlight cameras. These would be branded LG, with Apple apparently contributing to their development.
Apple’s longer-term plans also include its own privacy-focused camera and sensor, apparently designed to scan the home without recording video. A high-end home hub with a 9-inch screen mounted on a robotic arm is also reportedly in development.
Apple announced a product event for Tuesday, October 13, sharing a “Welcome Home” teaser. Selected members of the media have been invited to an “Apple Experience” in Tribeca, New York, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
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