Apple is set to host its Welcome Home event in New York on October 13th at 9AM ET. The company plans to introduce a new smart home hub, which may feature a 6-inch square touchscreen. The device is expected to support voice and facial recognition for user identification, with an option for secondary authentication via iPhone.
The new hub will likely run on a dedicated software platform called homeOS. This system reportedly combines elements of iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, focusing on smart home controls, FaceTime, and integrated Apple services like Music, Podcasts, and News. The interface will also include Siri AI capabilities.
Updates are planned for the HomePod Mini and Apple TV, though their designs will remain unchanged. Both devices will receive a new processor, identified as the N1 chip, to support Siri AI and improve performance. The N1 chip includes support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 6.0.
The HomePod Mini update marks its first refresh since its 2020 launch, with new color options including green and pink. For Apple TV, this represents the first hardware update since 2022. The company also expects to showcase partner devices from LG that integrate with HomeKit and homeOS.
LG products will feature NFC-based Proximity Control, allowing notifications on the iPhone Dynamic Island. Additionally, these devices will support a tap-to-set-up feature that functions without power. Apple clarified that a touchscreen MacBook will not be part of this event.
