Apple’s smart home event: what may be announced
Apple is holding a "Welcome Home" event on October 13 in New York, focused on smart home products. Expected announcements include a new smart home hub with a square touchscreen, refreshed Apple TV and HomePod Mini, and possibly a platform called homeOS. A touchscreen MacBook is not expected at this event.
Apple’s New York event begins Oct. 13 at 9AM ET. Rumors point to a square, six-inch touchscreen hub that can sit on a surface or hang on a wall; a countertop version may echo the iMac G4’s arm-and-dome shape. It could recognize voices or faces, with iPhone confirmation for private data.
The hub may run homeOS, a name Apple possibly secured through Home Operations Suite LLC. Reports describe an interface blending iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, with FaceTime and common Apple apps. Apple TV and HomePod Mini may keep their designs but gain chips for Siri AI. A touchscreen MacBook is not expected here.
A central Apple smart-home hub could make connected devices easier for households already in Apple’s ecosystem, especially those juggling lights, locks, thermostats, and media. Voice/face recognition may raise privacy questions, though iPhone confirmation could reassure some users. A refreshed HomePod Mini and Apple TV may appeal to budget-conscious buyers. Broader adoption may depend on price, compatibility, and whether homeOS simplifies setup.