Apple has scheduled a surprise smart home event for October 13, 2026, titled “Welcome Home,” where it is expected to unveil a dedicated smart home hub equipped with a screen, an updated Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini.
Apple Teases the October 13 Welcome Home Presentation
The event opens on October 13, 2026, at Washington time (5 p.m. GST). The company released a promotional video featuring someone embroidering its multi-colored logo alongside the caption Welcome home
.
Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of Marketing, shared the teaser on social media. The presentation follows closely behind Apple’s rollout of the foldable smartphone, iPhone Duo, which is set to hit shelves on October 16 and may be shipped as soon as October 23. CNET confirmed that its reporters will be present in person for the announcements.
Apple Prepares the HomePad Smart Display
The headliner of the upcoming showcase is expected to be a brand-new category for the company: a smart home hub widely referred to in leaks as the HomePad
. According to industry reports, the device features a square-shaped touchscreen measuring approximately 6 inches, mounted on a metal arm above a perforated speaker base reminiscent of the 2002 iMac G4 design.
Software references and industry leaks indicate the device runs a dedicated operating system called homeOS and draws AC power.
The display is designed to integrate facial and voice recognition to identify household members, displaying photos and messages when someone approaches. Bloomberg reports that the facial recognition will be less reliable than Face ID, requiring an iPhone for fallback authentication during sensitive functions.
The upcoming display-based device could become a central interface for controlling smart-home products, accessing content and services, and interacting with Apple’s AI capabilities, potentially giving Apple a stronger foothold in the smart-home ecosystem.
Anshika Jain, principal analyst at Counterpoint
Analysts note that the device will lean on processing features and privacy-first architecture, though market observers point out that the hardware may launch before the full Siri conversational agent control for HomeKit is completely ready.
Apple Prepares Updated HomePod Mini with Faster Chip
Alongside the new hub, Apple is expected to introduce a second-generation HomePod mini. While the original mini debuted in 2020, the updated model is expected to feature a faster S-series chip capable of handling Siri AI capabilities, alongside fresh color options and audio enhancements.
Counterpoint principal analyst Anshika Jain observed that with Apple Intelligence and a more capable Siri, the company is positioning HomePod as an entry point into an AI-powered home ecosystem
. At the same time, Jain noted that she does not necessarily expect the refreshed HomePod to be an initial hit compared to products like the iPhone or Mac.
An updated Apple TV 4K is also expected to make its debut. Rumors point to upgraded specifications including a faster N1 processor, 8GB of RAM, support for Wi-Fi 7, and an upgraded Siri remote. The company has not released a new set-top box since 2022.
LG Partners With Apple on Doorbells and Locks
The co-developed lineup includes seven specific products: the LG Video Doorbell Wired, LG Floodlight Cam, LG Outdoor Cam Plug-In, LG Indoor Cam Plug-In, LG Smart Deadbolt Lock, LG Smart Thermostat, and LG Temperature Sensor.
Unlike Apple’s own branded hardware, these accessories will carry LG branding, with LG handling manufacturing and customer support. Many of the accessories support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while the smart deadbolt includes ultra-wideband capability to unlock automatically as a user approaches.
The LG Smart Thermostat features settings for a Far Sight Display, humidity display, brightness, language, and calibrated temperature or temperature offset options on October 13, 2026, at Washington time (5 p.m. GST).
