Apple has scheduled its 'Welcome Home' event for October 13 at 9:00 AM ET. Senior Vice President of Marketing Greg Joswiak announced the date, which is expected to feature the company's first smart home hub. The device will reportedly come in two versions: a desktop model resembling the iMac G4 and a wall-mounted variant.
Both versions feature a 6-inch screen and a 1080p camera for FaceTime and authentication. The units require constant USB-C power as they lack internal batteries. Sensors detect user proximity to switch between an information display and a control interface, while supporting gesture recognition and automation triggers like lighting control.
The hub is expected to run on a new operating system, possibly named homeOS, which integrates elements from tvOS, watchOS, and iOS. To support Apple Intelligence, the hardware will likely include an A18 chip or higher and at least 8GB of RAM. The device will come pre-installed with core apps like Safari, Apple Music, and Photos, but will not have a dedicated App Store.
Security features include voice authentication and secondary verification via iPhone, along with a guest mode. In addition to the hub, Apple may introduce an updated HomePod Mini and a new Apple TV. Reports also suggest a partnership with LG to develop smart home peripherals, including video doorbells and indoor cameras.
