Apple is holding a hardware showcase dedicated to living spaces on Tuesday, October 13. The company distributed invitations on Thursday for an in-person gathering in Tribeca, New York, scheduled for 9 a.m. Eastern Time under the title "Welcome home."
A brief teaser video accompanying the invites showed two people needlepointing a vintage multicolored Apple logo. Coming just a month after the company rolled out its latest phones, the upcoming stage belongs entirely to connected household gear.
A Countertop Command Center
The centerpiece is widely expected to be a brand-new smart display, unofficially dubbed the HomePad or Home Hub. Industry leaks describe a device equipped with a square six-inch screen. One version sits on a countertop, supported by a metal arm rooted in a rounded speaker base reminiscent of the classic iMac G4, while a secondary model mounts flat against a wall.
The hardware is tipped to cost around $350 in the US. Apple designed the software interface to echo Apple Watch elements, relying on camera sensors to detect whoever walks into view and adjust calendars, news feeds, and widgets accordingly. An upgraded Siri voice engine sits at the core of the experience, aiming to handle complex household requests on par with rival smart displays from Amazon and Google.
Long-Awaited Apple TV and Audio Upgrades
Existing living room gear is due for an overhaul alongside the new screen. Apple last updated the Apple TV 4K streaming box in 2022. Rumors suggest the next iteration will receive an A19 processor, expanded RAM, and a redesigned remote control.
The smaller HomePod mini has waited even longer, having debuted in 2020 without a direct successor. Supply chain reports indicate the second-generation model will incorporate an upgraded S-series processor for local voice requests and an N1 networking chip to strengthen household connectivity.
Third-party home gear could also share the stage. Recent leaks revealed smart locks, video doorbells, and thermostats manufactured by LG that integrate directly into the Apple ecosystem. Some chatter also leaves the door open for an OLED iPad mini.
Tuesday's event will reveal how many of those pieces make it onto store shelves before the holiday quarter begins.
HTFiled by The Home Tech Desk
TVs, home appliances and the smart home: refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, purifiers, robot vacuums, the sets on the wall and the platforms that connect them. Launches, prices in the US and India, and what changed.
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