Apple’s HomePad smart home hub launching on Oct 13 with iMac G4 design – Bloomberg

Apple's highly anticipated smart home hub, known internally as the HomePad, is set to make its debut on October 13, according to Bloomberg. The device boasts a 6-inch display and a design reminiscent of the iconic iMac G4, with a hemispherical base and a free-floating screen that can be rotated, raised, lowered, and tilted for optimal positioning. The HomePad is scheduled to launch alongside updates to both the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K, featuring new colors and Siri AI support.

This product expansion represents a significant move for Apple under the leadership of new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus, aiming to make its long-delayed entry into the smart-home market. The iMac G4, one of Apple's most recognized designs, served as inspiration for the HomePad's appearance. Precedent reports indicated that the HomePad would be available in both tabletop and wall-mounted versions, with the former aligning with the description provided by Bloomberg.

The upcoming device is anticipated to incorporate a speaker to enable it to function as a HomePod, while also serving as a smart home control panel. It is expected to operate on a new operating system that integrates components from iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, with Siri AI at its core. The device is currently referred to by the codename J490.