Apple to hold event on October 13 – what to expect
Apple has announced a “Welcome home” event, which will take place on October 13 in New York. The main focus will be smart home devices. The first Apple home hub with a screen, a second-generation HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV 4K are expected.
When the presentation will take place
Apple Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing Greg Joswiak posted a short video with the text “Welcome home. October 13.” Journalists and bloggers also received invitations to the Apple Experience in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York. The event will begin at 9:00 AM local time (3:00 PM CET).
Apple has not yet specified the format of the announcement. It is unknown whether a full-scale online presentation will take place or if the company will limit itself to videos and press releases, while offering invited journalists the chance to see the devices in person.
What will be shown
According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the main announcement will be Apple’s first home hub, codenamed J490. The device is expected to feature a square display with a diagonal of about 6 inches, a camera for FaceTime video calls, built-in speakers, and support for an updated Siri voice assistant with artificial intelligence.
The hub is designed for controlling smart home devices, making video calls, and viewing photos, calendars, weather, news, and videos. The primary method of interaction will be voice control. Two versions are expected: a wall-mounted model and a desktop model with a hemispherical speaker base reminiscent of the iMac G4.
The built-in camera and presence sensor will allow the device to detect when a person is nearby, recognize the user, and automatically display a personalized interface with apps and widgets. Apple expects users to place several of these devices in different rooms. The estimated price is around $350.
Development of the home hub has been underway for several years. Apple initially planned to release it in 2025, but the launch had to be postponed due to delays with the updated Siri. The new version of the AI-powered assistant appeared in September 2026, currently in beta status.
The second anticipated new product is the second-generation HomePod mini. The speaker is expected to feature a more powerful S-series chip, the Apple N1 network chip with Wi-Fi 7 support, improved sound, and Siri AI support. Second-generation Ultra Wideband and new colors, including pink and green, are also expected. No significant design changes are predicted.
According to preliminary data, the Apple TV 4K will receive an A19 or A19 Pro processor, increased RAM for Apple Intelligence features, an N1 network chip with Wi-Fi 7, and an updated Siri Remote. The appearance of the set-top box will likely remain the same.
In addition, Apple is working with LG to develop additional smart home devices, including a video doorbell, a thermostat, and an indoor security camera. They may also be unveiled on October 13. Alleged images of some devices appeared online on October 7, but Apple has not yet confirmed their existence.
Other new Apple products
An updated iPad mini may also be introduced at the October 13 event. Rumors suggest the tablet will feature an OLED display, a more powerful processor, and improved water resistance. However, its announcement has not yet been confirmed.
A separate presentation for new Macs is expected in the last week of October. Possible new products include MacBook Pro models with OLED displays and touch controls, a base 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M6 processor, and an updated iMac. The exact program for the second event is not yet known.
Apple has not yet disclosed official prices, release dates, or the list of countries where the new devices will be available.
