Apple to unveil new smart-home hardware at "Welcome Home" event
Apple is set to host its "Welcome Home" event on Tuesday, where it is expected to announce a Siri-focused smart display, updates to HomePod devices, and possibly new security and thermostat products in partnership with LG.
Apple confirmed a "Welcome Home" smart-home event for Tuesday, sending invitations featuring a rainbow-colored logo. Industry observers anticipate the company will introduce a Siri-centric smart display, often referred to as a HomePad, that could swivel, recognize individual voices and integrate Apple TV and Safari functions. The display is rumored to be about six inches wide and paired with a HomePod-style speaker.
Alongside the display, reports suggest Apple will refresh its HomePod line, potentially launching a new HomePod Mini with additional colour options such as green and pink and a faster S-series chip. A new Apple TV model with an upgraded N1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 7 and an enhanced Siri remote is also mentioned, though analysts consider this less certain.
Security-camera rumors indicate Apple may debut tiny indoor cameras that analyze presence and human activity without storing video, aiming to avoid cloud-storage costs. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has also hinted at a doorbell camera featuring Face ID for unlocking.
Separate leaks point to a collaboration with LG that could bring an Apple-compatible thermostat with presence-sensing and humidity detection, as well as a smart lock featuring a round, illuminated keypad. Additional LG-branded devices such as outdoor cameras and a video doorbell are speculated, though their release at this event is considered unlikely.
Apple has not responded to comment requests. The company’s upcoming AI platform, Apple Intelligence, is expected to power new Siri capabilities across these products, including AI-generated video descriptions for any security cameras that may be introduced.