Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ event: Everything to expect from the new Apple TV and HomePad

Apple's highly anticipated "Welcome Home" event is set to take place on Tuesday, marking the first update to the Apple TV in four years. The event, scheduled for 3:00 PM SA time, is expected to unveil a new smart home control center, code-named the HomePad. While the star of the show will be the refreshed Apple TV, the HomePad is the primary focus, serving as the ultimate hub for the Apple ecosystem.

The new Apple TV will retain its compact design but boast a significantly enhanced processing performance. It will be powered by the A19 or A19 Pro chip, the same silicon found in the iPhone 17 lineup. This upgrade will more than double the processing capabilities compared to the current A15 Bionic chip in the existing models. The base storage capacity is also rumored to be increased across all versions.

Pricing for the new Apple TV is expected to align with the current models, with the entry-level 64GB version around R4,199 and the 128GB version at R5,249. While prices may fluctuate due to local currency changes, the new models will offer a substantial performance boost over the current generation.

The HomePad is described as a sleek 6-inch square display mounted on a metallic arm, anchored by a rounded base. Its design pays homage to the iconic G4 iMac from the early 2000s. Positioned as the central command center for the Apple ecosystem, the HomePad will seamlessly integrate with Apple TVs, MacBooks, HomePods, and a range of smart devices. Deep integration with Apple's upcoming Siri AI will make voice interaction the primary method for managing connected spaces throughout the home.