Apple’s next launch takes place today

Apple plans to unveil HomeView, a HomePod mini 2 and an updated Apple TV 4K as part of its “Welcome home” launch today (Tuesday, October 13).

The devices will likely be revealed in press releases shared on the Apple Newsroom website today around 9 a.m. Eastern, because that’s when Apple’s private “Welcome Home” experience in New York begins. During this experience, guest journalists and content creators will likely benefit from hands-on time with the devices.

The new HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K models are said to launch on Friday, October 30, while the HomeView apparently won’t launch until mid-November.

The all-new HomeView smart home hub will be available in a tabletop version with a metal speaker base, as well as a wall-mounted version with a flat, square wall plate. The device is designed to manage smart home accessories, home security, photo galleries, calendar appointments, music playback, FaceTime video calls, and more.

The device will be ideal for the kitchen, bedroom and living room, and it would offer multi-user support for families.

The hub would have a 6-inch square screen and an A18 chip for Apple Intelligence, with Siri AI expected to be a flagship feature. A new operating system – potentially named “homeOS” – will feature clock faces, widgets and more.

The HomeView table top will be available in four finishes: Grey, Silver, Starlight and Pink. The wall version will be limited to grays and silver.

HomeView will offer a selection of Apple apps, but no App Store for third-party apps.

HomeView will be accompanied by an “Apple Home Collection” of accessories developed by brands such as LG and Schneider Electric in partnership with Apple. This will include a smart doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat, temperature sensor, interior and exterior security cameras and a floodlight camera.

The new HomePod mini is rumored to feature the S10 chip from the Apple Watch Series 10, up from the S5 chip in the current version of the speaker released in 2020. A range of new color options have also been leaked, including pink and green.

The new Apple TV 4K is said to have an A19 chip, support for Siri AI, and an updated Siri Remote with a built-in speaker that makes it easier to find. Additionally, the device will likely receive an Apple-designed N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 support.