What to Anticipate at Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ Event

Apple’s “Welcome Home” launch event is just around the corner, and it’s set to bring a wave of exciting smart home announcements. Anticipation is building for updates to the Apple TV and HomePod Mini, along with the introduction of a brand-new smart home hub. There’s also buzz about a potential new platform called homeOS, and some collaborative devices from LG might make an appearance.

However, it seems we won’t be seeing the much-speculated touchscreen MacBook just yet, as insider Mark Gurman suggests it will be unveiled later this month. The “Welcome Home” event kicks off in New York on October 13th at 9 AM ET, and here’s what we can expect.

A dedicated smart home hub
So far, Apple has mainly relied on the Home app to manage the various components of your smart home. But it looks like they’re ready to dive deeper into this niche. The upcoming device, possibly named HomePad or HomeView, or simply Apple Home Hub, is rumored to feature a 6-inch square touchscreen that can be mounted on a wall or set on a table. Gurman describes the countertop version as reminiscent of the iMac G4, with the screen attached to an arm set into a half-sphere base.

Gurman leans towards the name HomeView, suggesting that the choice reflects the fact that this hub won’t offer an iPad-like experience, as it won’t have an App Store. The device is expected to utilize voice or facial recognition to identify users, pulling up relevant contacts, calendar events, and more. For added security, Apple may allow secondary identification through an iPhone.

This hub will reportedly run on a new software platform called homeOS. Apple may have secured a trademark for this name through a shell company, a tactic they’ve used before to quietly claim rights to names. The platform is said to feature a user-friendly interface that combines elements of iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, focusing on smart home functionalities like controlling thermostats and smart locks, and even making FaceTime calls. Expect the usual suite of Apple apps and widgets, including Apple Music, Podcasts, News, Reminders, Notes, and Siri AI.

HomePod Mini and Apple TV get a minor refresh
Not much is changing for the HomePod Mini or Apple TV. Their designs will stay the same, but they’ll receive a new processor to better support Siri AI. This marks the first update for the HomePod Mini since its launch on October 13th, 2020—exactly six years before the upcoming event. While there won’t be any major changes for the Mini’s anniversary, it will be available in new colors, including green and pink.

The Apple TV will also see its first hardware refresh since 2022. The new processor will enhance Siri AI support and improve navigation speed, which has been a bit sluggish. Rumors suggest it will feature an integrated microphone, allowing you to control the Apple TV with Siri without needing to use the remote or a paired HomePod. Additionally, the remote may include a speaker to help locate it more easily.

Both devices are expected to be powered by Apple’s N1 chip, which supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 6.0.

LG and other partner devices
We can likely expect some announcements regarding products that integrate with HomeKit and leverage new features built on homeOS and Apple’s upcoming hardware hub. However, don’t expect Apple to share too much of the spotlight with its partners. Recent leaks have revealed LG’s smart home offerings, which include deadbolts, thermostats, and more. These devices are rumored to feature NFC-based “Proximity Control,” which activates hints in the iPhone’s Dynamic Island when held nearby, as well as a “tap to set up without power” pairing feature.