Apple to unveil HomeView hub, upgraded Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini at "Welcome Home" event
Apple plans to launch a new home hub called HomeView, an upgraded Apple TV 4K and a refreshed HomePod mini, with pre-orders expected to start shortly after the announcements.
Apple is set to introduce a new line of home accessories at its "Welcome Home" product launch scheduled for tomorrow. The centerpiece will be HomeView, a Siri-powered home hub featuring an A18 chip, 8 GB of RAM, a 6-inch touch display and optional wall-mount or speaker-base configurations. The device is expected to support a wide range of functions, including smart-home control, media playback, video calls and personalized content through a presence sensor and facial recognition. Rumors place the price around $350.
The Apple TV 4K will retain its existing exterior but receive internal upgrades, including an A19 processor, 8 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and the N1 networking chip. Apple plans to add Siri AI capabilities and a new remote with a built-in speaker, and may showcase a Beats-branded gaming controller. Pricing is anticipated to be at least $199, matching the current model.
The HomePod mini will also keep its design while gaining an S10 chip, second-generation UWB and Wi-Fi 7. Siri AI on the speaker will rely on nearby Apple devices for processing and will integrate context from other Siri interactions. New color options are expected, and the price is likely to remain at $129 after a recent increase.
Apple has partnered with LG to develop a range of wired video doorbells, thermostats, smart locks and cameras that will work with HomeKit and the HomeView hub. These accessories are slated for release later in the year.
The announcements will be delivered via a video release and press statements, with a media-only event in New York City at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 13. Pre-orders for the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K could begin shortly after, and both devices are slated to ship on Friday, October 30.
"HomeView will act as a central hub for personalized home information and control, leveraging Siri AI and a presence sensor," an Apple spokesperson said.
"The upgraded Apple TV 4K is designed to bring more powerful AI features and improved gaming performance," the company added.
"The new HomePod mini will benefit from an enhanced chip and broader Siri integration across Apple devices," the spokesperson noted.