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Technology

Apple Welcome Home Event: HomePod Mini, Apple TV and Smart Hub Expected

hellohimachalse@gmail.com 13 Oct 2026 1 hour ago

Apple is preparing for its ‘Welcome Home’ event today, October 13. Reports say Apple is getting ready to show new products for Apple’s smart home ecosystem. Apple confirmed the event week with a teaser, from Apple’s marketing chief, Greg Joswiak.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple could introduce its “long-awaited smart home hub with a screen, the new HomePod mini and an updated Apple TV,” Gurman stated. All three devices will have Siri AI at the core, he added.

The October event will be Apple’s major launch event since September, when Apple unveiled Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup, including Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro, Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max and Apple’s iPhone Duo. The upcoming launches could signal Apple’s plans to bring Apple’s home products closer together, through improved software and artificial intelligence.

Apple’s New Smart Home Hub May Feature a Display

The biggest expected announcement is a home hub that has a built-in screen. This device might compete with products, like the Google Nest Hub and Amazon Echo Show. The product would give users a place to control their devices.

Rumours suggest the hub could run on an S11 chip, which might help it manage tasks and Siri AI features more smoothly. The display could show weather forecasts, calendar appointments and music controls making it handy for updates, around the home.

A FaceTime camera is also expected to be built into the device. It could let users make video calls directly from the device. Apple is reportedly working on an operating system. That operating system is designed for the hub. It focuses on smart‑home controls.

HomePod Mini Could Get a Performance Upgrade

Apple may also unveil an updated HomePod mini. The compact smart speaker is expected to retain its familiar design, while an S11 chip could bring improvements in performance and Siri responsiveness.

The refreshed model could offer closer integration with Apple’s smart home ecosystem. New colour options are also possible, although the company has yet to confirm any changes.

Updated Apple TV May Bring Faster Performance

The third expected product is a new Apple TV. Reports suggest it could feature a more powerful A19 or A19 Pro chip, potentially improving gaming, streaming and multitasking.

Deeper Siri AI integration could make voice-based navigation and smart home controls more convenient. Other possible additions include HDMI pass-through and a redesigned Siri Remote.

With all three products expected to put Siri AI at the centre of the experience, Apple’s October 13 event could offer an important glimpse into the company’s next phase of smart home development.

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