Apple "Welcome Home" Event on Oct. 13: Date, Time and Expected Smart Home Products
Apple has confirmed a "Welcome Home" launch for 13 October. Here is when it starts, how the event may be presented and which smart home products are rumored.
Why people are searching
Apple has announced a "Welcome Home" launch, and the tagline has people asking what the company will show. Marketing chief Greg Joswiak posted a short video with the title and date but gave few hints about the products.
Invitations went to some members of the press for a live event in New York City at 9am Eastern. Apple has not said what is being announced beyond the theme.
How to watch
Apple has not yet detailed a livestream. 9to5Mac says the event appears to have two parts: an in-person session for press in New York, and what Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has called an "online video presentation."
That suggests press releases and videos may appear around 9am ET (6am PT) on 13 October, but Apple has not confirmed it. Apple has used live streams, pre-recorded videos and plain press releases for different launches, so the format could change.
What is expected
The home hub. The headline product is a smart display that Apple is rumored to call something like the HomePad. According to Bloomberg, as relayed by 9to5Mac, it has a 6-inch square screen on a half-dome base, held up by a metal arm. Reports compare the look to the iMac G4.
It is said to come in two versions, one for walls and one for countertops. MacRumors says it may come in four colors.
The hub is reportedly built around Siri and Apple Intelligence. It should recognize who is speaking or walking up to it and change the screen to show personalized content. It would also control HomeKit devices.
Apple TV and HomePod mini. A new Apple TV 4K is expected, its first update since November 2022. It should look the same but use an A19 or A19 Pro chip, which would bring the new Siri to the box. The HomePod mini is also due a faster chip, replacing the S5, and possibly new colors.
LG-built accessories. Apple is reportedly working with LG on a smart lock, thermostat, doorbell and several cameras. Bloomberg says these will not ship for at least a few more months. They may still be shown at the event.
Background
Yahoo Finance's report says this is Apple's first significant push into the smart home, and it will compete with hubs from Amazon and Google. The new products have reportedly been waiting for the upgraded Siri, which was released last month.
What it means for you
If you want to follow along, plan for 9am ET on 13 October, and check Apple's website and social channels around then. If you own HomeKit gadgets, the hub is expected to control them. The LG-designed accessories look unlikely to be on sale soon, and no prices for any of these products have been confirmed.
Also read Apple Reportedly Set to Launch Touchscreen MacBook Pro and iPad Mini On or Around Oct. 27
Quick answers
Will the Apple event be livestreamed?
Apple hasn't said. Reports point to an online video presentation alongside the in-person press event, but the format is unconfirmed.
What will the Apple home hub be called?
The name is unknown. Media outlets have been calling it the HomePad, but that is a rumor and not an Apple name.
Is the "Welcome Home" event about the iPhone?
The invitations don't say so. Yahoo Finance reports it is unclear whether Apple will mention the foldable iPhone Duo.
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