{
  "id": 10930706,
  "title": "Apple plans to launch new smart-home hub on Oct 13, reports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/apple-plans-to-launch-new-smart-home-hub-on-oct-13-reports",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-30T11:35:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40441994/apple-plans-to-launch-new-smart-home-hub-on-oct-13-reports"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple is set to unveil its long-awaited entry into the smart-home market on October 13, according to Bloomberg News. The company will introduce a new hub, code-named J490, which is expected to target individuals looking to incorporate AI-driven features into their homes. In addition to this, Apple plans to release an updated version of the HomePod mini and a new TV set-top box, both since their 2020 and 2022 debuts, respectively. However, the company has not yet commented on these developments, as confirmed by a Reuters request for clarification. John Ternus, a seasoned hardware executive, assumed the role of Apple's CEO earlier this month, with industry experts anticipating that his leadership will focus on strengthening the company's core strengths in devices, engineering, and integrating AI capabilities across its existing products. The smart-home market has been a strategic area for Apple, as it aims to broaden its reach while maintaining its core iPhone business, which serves as the backbone of its ecosystem. Currently, Apple offers the HomePod and HomePod mini, as well as the 4K Apple TV set-top box. The upcoming hub, resembling Amazon's Echo and Google Home devices, will feature a 6-inch square display and can be installed either wall-mounted or on a countertop. It will be capable of identifying household members and delivering personalized content and responses based on their respective data and accounts. Both the new HomePod mini and Apple TV will retain their existing designs but will incorporate faster processors to enhance Siri's AI capabilities. In June, Apple introduced a revamped version of Siri as part of a broader initiative to bolster its AI prowess.",
  "summary": "Apple is planning to make its long-delayed push into the smart-home market on October 13 with a new hub code-named J490, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The company also plans to announce the first update to the HomePod mini since the device’s 2020 debut and its first new TV set-top box since 2022, the report said. Apple did not immediately respond to…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}