Apple Stores Receive ‘Do Not Open’ Boxes Ahead of Smart Home Product Launch

Apple Stores around the world are preparing to install new product displays starting Thursday, October 8.

Apple retail stores received confidential boxes earlier this week with “Do not open until October 8” stickers. They are believed to contain new visual products, which allow workers to update labels, graphics and product layouts in stores when new products are released. Woozad received a tip about the boxes earlier this week, which it has now independently verified.

It’s possible that the documents are related to the iPhone Duo, but it seems more likely, given their confidentiality and timing, that they are related to the rumored launch of Apple’s smart home hub, alongside a new Apple TV 4K and the HomePod mini 2. Yesterday, BloombergMark Gurman of , said that Apple plans to introduce these three long-awaited new devices on Tuesday, October 13.

If Apple announces the new devices during the week of Monday, October 5, Apple Stores will have to update their screens for a launch on October 13. As of now, the exact timing of the trio’s announcement is unclear. Gurman’s report used indeterminate wording, simply saying that Apple would “enter the smart home market on October 13.” It could be an announcement or a launch.