Apple Announces New 'Welcome Home' Event On October 13, Smart Home Product Launches Expected
Apple is doing things differently this year. It launched its first-ever foldable phone iPhone Duo, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro models, shelving the base model for next year. Now, it is hosting another event in October, again a shift from its strategy, but this time it looks to launch smart home products. Apple has announced a 'Welcome Home' event for October 13, with new smart home products…
On October 13, Apple is set to host a special event in New York, signaling a shift from its usual strategy. The company will unveil new smart home products, following the launch of its foldable phone, iPhone Duo, and the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro models. Marketing chief Greg Joswiak shared a teaser video featuring a rainbow Apple logo stitched into fabric, accompanied by the caption "Welcome home."
The event will take place at 9am local time, which corresponds to 6:30pm IST, and it is expected to be an in-person gathering for select media and creators.
The main focus of the event is anticipated to be a new smart display, dubbed the HomePad or Home Hub, featuring a 6-inch square display. Two versions of the device are reportedly in development, with an interface similar to the Apple Watch and the ability to adapt its display based on the occupants of the room. This device could serve as a central hub for controlling smart home products, accessing content and services, and utilizing Apple's AI features.
In addition to the HomePad, Apple is expected to introduce three other smart home products: a refreshed HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV. According to reports, these products will retain their current designs but will be equipped with faster processors to enhance Siri's AI capabilities. The HomePod mini and Apple TV have been delayed from their original 2024 launch due to ongoing work on Siri AI, which entered beta on existing Apple devices in September.
LG is reportedly involved in the smart home lineup, with Apple and LG collaborating on various accessory devices, including video doorbells, smart locks, thermostats, and indoor, outdoor, and floodlight cameras. While the exact nature of these products and their presentation at the event remains unclear, the reports suggest they will be compatible with Apple's ecosystem. However, it is unlikely that new Macs will be unveiled at this event, as they are expected to have their own showcase a few weeks later.
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