Apple plans to unveil a long-awaited smart home hub alongside an updated HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K on October 13. Powered by the new Siri AI assistant, the trio of devices represents a major product expansion delayed from 2024.
Apple is preparing to make its long-delayed push into the smart home ecosystem with a hardware release slated for October 13. According to reporting from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the launch will introduce three core devices designed to bring artificial intelligence deeper into residential spaces. The event marks one of the first major product expansions under Apple CEO John Ternus.
The J490 Smart Home Hub and HomeOS Integration
At the center of the rollout is a new smart home display currently code-named J490. Testing has been underway inside employees’ homes for a device featuring a roughly square screen smaller than an Amazon Echo Show, built with a display measuring about 6 inches across. Apple has developed two distinct versions of the hardware to fit different household layouts. One model sits on a round metal speaker base connected by an adjustable arm, echoing the design of the classic iMac G4 from 2002, while a second version code-named J491 features a flat base designed specifically for wall mounting.
Neither version includes an internal battery, requiring both units to remain plugged into power via a USB-C cable. The display lacks physical volume or power buttons and features a black bezel surrounding rounded corners. A front-facing camera works alongside voice recognition to identify who is approaching the screen, automatically shifting the visible apps, notes, calendar appointments, news, music, and podcasts to match that individual. A guest mode allows users to hide personal information from visitors, and the system can require secondary authentication through a nearby iPhone if the facial recognition fails or misidentifies a user.
The software running the hub is a brand-new operating system built around Siri AI, combining interface elements from iOS, tvOS, and watchOS to offer widgets, customizable clock faces, video calls, intercom features, and smart home controls. Development on the hub dates back as far as 2024, but Apple held back the release until the underlying Siri AI assistant was ready following its beta introduction via iOS 27 earlier this month.
First HomePod Mini Hardware Refresh and New Color Options
Alongside the home hub, Apple will introduce a refreshed HomePod mini, delivering the first hardware update to the compact speaker since its original debut on October 13, 2020. The updated speaker retains its spherical exterior and will be available in five colors: green, pink, blue, white, and black. Internal upgrades include a processor newer than the S5 chip found in the original model, providing the necessary computing power to run Siri AI.
While the physical design remains unchanged, the new internal components address the performance limitations of the original speaker. Apple raised the U.S. price of the current HomePod mini from $99 to $129 earlier this year, though pricing for the second-generation model has not yet been confirmed. The launch timing will place the speaker release just days before pre-orders begin for upcoming iPhone models on October 16.
![Apple Targets October 13 for Smart Home Hub, New HomePod mini and Apple TV [Gurman]](https://www.iclarified.com/images/news/102501/102501/102501-1280.jpg "Photo: iclarified.com")
Fourth-Generation Apple TV 4K Specifications and Upgrades
The upcoming Apple TV 4K set-top box brings substantial internal upgrades beneath an exterior chassis that matches the current generation. Code leaks and unreleased product images uncovered by contributors point to a fourth-generation model packed with advanced silicon and wireless connectivity.
| Hardware Component | Current Apple TV 4K | Leaked Apple TV 4K (4th Generation) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A17 Pro or A20 Pro |
| Memory | 4GB RAM | 8GB RAM |
| Wireless Connectivity | Standard Wi-Fi | Apple N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support |
| Remote Control | Standard Siri Remote | Revised Siri Remote |
The memory upgrade to 8GB of RAM and the inclusion of faster processors are designed primarily to support Apple Intelligence and Siri AI on the television screen for the first time, while also delivering improved performance for gaming. Apple adjusted pricing for the current set-top box lineup in June, setting the starting price at $199 for the 64GB Wi-Fi model and $249 for the 128GB Wi-Fi and Ethernet model.
![[ลือ] Apple เตรียมเปิดตัวจอสมาร์ทโฮมสินค้าใหม่ พร้อม Apple TV, HomePod mini อัปเกรด 13 ตุลาคมนี้](https://www.blognone.com/sites/default/files/news-feature-image/2026/2026-09/r251.jpg "Photo: Blognone")
Broader Smart Home Roadmap and Unresolved Product Questions
The October hardware trio represents only the initial phase of a broader residential strategy. Apple is actively developing a privacy-focused home security camera and sensor designed to detect which room an individual is occupying without recording video, with a release targeted for 2027. Further out in development is an advanced smart home hub featuring a larger 9-inch display mounted on a motorized robotic arm capable of a full 360-degree swivel.
While supply chain leaks and internal code have revealed extensive details about the upcoming October 13 announcement, Apple has not issued official invitations or confirmed the event. It remains unverified whether the company will host a traditional video-based event, issue press releases, or what specific pricing structures will accompany the home hub and updated audio gear.