Apple 'Welcome Home' Launch: Everything to Expect Tomorrow - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple 'Welcome Home' Launch: Everything to Expect Tomorrow

Apple's "Welcome Home" product launch is happening tomorrow. As the name suggests, Apple is going to debut new home accessories, including the long-rumored home hub.

Apple TV 4K HomeView HomePod Mini tweaked
Below, we've listed all the rumors we know about the three devices Apple is set to introduce.

HomeView

Apple's home hub, which will be called HomeView, is a multi-function device designed for all of a home's occupants. It's built around Siri AI, and will have an A18 chip and 8GB of RAM.

Home Hub Command Center with Dome Base Colors Feature
Here's what rumors suggest it'll be able to do:

  • Answer questions with ‌Siri‌ AI
  • Control smart home devices
  • Display the time and weather
  • Display widgets, including widgets from a connected iPhone
  • Show each user their calendar events and reminders
  • Play music, podcasts, and audiobooks
  • Play videos, TV shows, and movies
  • Show photos, slideshows, and home movies
  • Support video calls
  • Show the news
  • Show messages and emails
  • Display recipes and instructions when completing tasks

The hub will be able to do anything you might want a home assistant device to do, from giving the next steps of a recipe to suggesting dinner ideas and creating a shopping list. It will rely heavily on ‌Siri‌ AI for voice-based input, but it will also have a 6-inch touch display.

The display is square with bezels around the edges, and there are two models. One version can be mounted on the wall, and the other is attached to a half-dome speaker base with a flexible arm for adjusting tilt. The hub isn't expected to have its own App Store, but it will support Apple apps such as Safari, News, Music, Reminders, Calendar, Weather, Messages, FaceTime, Photos, and Mail.

There will be a presence sensor and a camera in the hub, and it will use a variation of Face ID to determine who is nearby to show customized content. It will display information from a linked iPhone, like email messages, but only after authenticating. The sensors in the hub will be usable in HomeKit scenes and automations, so you can use it to trigger lights and other devices when a person walks into the room.

The interface will be heavily widget-based so you can see information at a glance, and it's likely going to look similar to StandBy mode on the iPhone. You will be able to choose your preferred clock face or idle state, along with a home screen of widget options that you can tap to open a full app. If you have multiple hubs, they'll link together for features like multi-room music and intercom functionality. Rumors suggest that it will have better sound quality than the HomePod mini.

There isn't going to be a built-in battery, and the hub will need to be connected to power via an included USB-C port. The speaker-equipped version is expected in multiple colors, including gray, silver, starlight, and rose. The wall-mounted version will be available in silver and gray.

Rumors suggest the hub could be priced somewhere around $350.

Apple TV 4K

Apple isn't updating the design of the Apple TV, so expect the new model to be the same boring black box. What's changing is entirely inside.

Apple TV Sans Remote Feature
The ‌Apple TV‌ 4K is going to get a lot more powerful so it can support ‌Siri‌ AI, offering many of the same ‌Siri‌ features that are available on iPhone and iPad in iOS and iPadOS 27.

We're expecting an A19 with 8GB of RAM, along with Apple's N1 networking chip for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The A19 will bring a major upgrade in performance, both for ‌Siri‌ and for gaming. It has ray tracing, mesh shading, and other features that will improve gameplay graphics.

There will be a new ‌Siri‌ Remote with an included speaker to make it easier to find, and we've seen some signs that Apple is working on its own gaming controller under the Beats brand, but there's no word on whether it's ready to launch.

Apple will likely emphasize ‌Siri‌ AI and gaming capabilities when introducing the ‌Apple TV‌. Apple raised the price of the current ‌Apple TV‌ to $199 in June, and the new model will be at least that expensive with the processor and RAM upgrades.

HomePod mini

Like the ‌Apple TV‌ 4K, the ‌HomePod‌ mini isn't going to get a new design, but it will have internal upgrades that make it more capable. It's going to get an upgraded S10 chip, second-generation UWB for features like Handoff, and the N1 networking chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

HomePod minis on gradient feature 1 1
You'll need a nearby AI-capable device for ‌Siri‌ AI processing because the ‌HomePod‌ probably won't be able to handle much on-device, but smarter ‌Siri‌ should make for a better experience. ‌Siri‌ AI on ‌HomePod‌ mini will have the context of ‌Siri‌ interactions on other devices, and it's likely conversations will be saved to a connected iPhone's ‌Siri‌ app.

‌Siri‌ AI can answer follow-up questions, handle multi-request queries, and access information from your apps. It'll be similar to having ChatGPT or Claude on a speaker. Though design updates aren't expected, the ‌HomePod‌ mini will get new colors. We're expecting white, blue, black, sage, and pink.

‌HomePod‌ mini pricing went up from $99 to $129 in June 2026, and the new model will likely be priced at $129 too.

LG Accessories

Apple worked with LG to make an LG-branded wired video doorbell, thermostat, smart deadbolt lock, temperature sensor, indoor security camera, outdoor security camera, and floodlight camera that will work with the home hub and the ‌HomeKit‌ platform.

The accessories are part of an "Apple Home Collection" that will be marketed alongside the HomeView. They won't be ready until later this year at the earliest, but Apple could show them off during the announcement.

Announcement Timing

There's no keynote event for the "Welcome Home" product debut, so Apple is probably going to release a video and an accompanying set of press releases. There's an NYC media event that's going to take place at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, October 13, and that could be when all of the announcements happen.

The NYC event will let members of the media get some hands-on time with the new devices to share first impressions.

Pre-Orders and Launch Date

Apple could begin accepting pre-orders just after the new devices launch. The ‌HomePod‌ mini and the ‌Apple TV‌ 4K are going to launch on Friday, October 30.

The HomeView won't be available right away and is expected to ship to customers in mid-November.

Popular Stories

iPhone Duo Trio

Here's What Apple's Apps Look Like on the iPhone Duo

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:12 am PDT by
With just three days to go until the iPhone Duo is released, Apple is getting ready for the launch. Behind the scenes, the App Store now has screenshots of Apple's built-in apps running on the Duo. We've seen some apps in marketing materials, but images of the ones we haven't seen give us an idea of what it will be like using the iPhone Duo day to day. Many apps are shown in landscape...
Apple Creator Studio iWork suite

Apple Pulls Keynote, Pages and Numbers From App Store [Update: Back]

Thursday October 22, 2026 11:01 am PDT by
Apple has temporarily removed Keynote, Pages, and Numbers from the App Store, just after releasing an update that added iPhone Duo support and a new Intelligent Assistant. It is not clear if the apps were removed intentionally, or if it is a bug. Apple has not said when the apps will be reinstated, but if it was in error, they should return soon. Update: The Mac versions are back without...
M5 MacBook Pro

RIP, MacBook Ultra

Monday October 19, 2026 9:37 am PDT by
Apple today sent out invites for an experience in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 28, and the "Pro and tell" tagline on the invitation likely means that the rumored MacBook models with touch-enabled OLED displays will stick with MacBook Pro branding instead of the once-rumored "MacBook Ultra" name. The long-rumored "iPhone Ultra" ended up being named iPhone Duo, so speculation that Apple...

Top Rated Comments

carlsson Avatar
2 weeks ago
Finally a new ATV! 🥳💸
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
sjsharksfan12 Avatar
2 weeks ago

The hub will be able to do anything you might want a home assistant device to do, from giving the next steps of a recipe to suggesting dinner ideas and creating a shopping list. It will rely heavily on Siri AI for voice-based input, but it will also have a 6-inch touch display.
Can it be a maid? Need toilets cleaned and all that and I'm kinda procrastinating doing it myself.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
2 weeks ago

Apple raised the price of the current Apple TV to $199 in June, and the new model will be at least that expensive with the processor and RAM upgrades.
This is basically my expectation too so it's going to be a pass...
Barring a surprise, no more $$$ on new Apple devices for the next year for me
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1 week ago

You do know Siri is Gemini Now right? You have Gemini on device. You will have to find something else to be upset about. :confused:
Siri add bananas to my grocery list

S: “who’s speaking?”

It’s me

S: “you’ll need to authenticate on your iPhone first.”

Pure unadulterated genius, you’re right.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeatsByTim Avatar
1 week ago

You can change the typing to a grid instead of a line currently. Settings > General > Keyboard Layout
You gotta be kidding me. That's been a setting all this time?

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Antilogical Avatar
1 week ago

assuming this is designed to be a kitchen / living room device....?
I'm having a separate room constructed for it as we speak.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
iPhone Duo Demand Reportedly Exceeds Apple's Expectations
iPhone Duo Demand Reportedly Exceeds Apple's Expectations
1 hour ago
iPhone Duo Launch Begins as First Orders Reach Customers
iPhone Duo Launch Begins as First Orders Reach Customers
7 hours ago
1Password for Agents Keeps Your Passwords Hidden From AI
1Password for Agents Keeps Your Passwords Hidden From AI
8 hours ago
iPhone Duo 24 Hours Later: Your Questions Answered
iPhone Duo 24 Hours Later: Your Questions Answered
9 hours ago
Apple's iWork Apps Get 'Intelligent Assistant' and iPhone Duo Support
Apple's iWork Apps Get 'Intelligent Assistant' and iPhone Duo Support
10 hours ago
Apple is Apparently Considering a Slightly Larger iPhone Duo
Apple is Apparently Considering a Slightly Larger iPhone Duo
10 hours ago
Giant iPhone Duo Displays Coming to Four Apple Stores
Giant iPhone Duo Displays Coming to Four Apple Stores
11 hours ago
Apple Pulls Keynote, Pages and Numbers From App Store [Update: Back]
Apple Pulls Keynote, Pages and Numbers From App Store [Update: Back]
12 hours ago
Apple Updates More Apps With iPhone Duo Support
Apple Updates More Apps With iPhone Duo Support
12 hours ago
Apple Will Label Apps 'Made for iPhone Duo' in App Store
Apple Will Label Apps 'Made for iPhone Duo' in App Store
15 hours ago
Amazon Takes $49 Off iPad With Prices Starting at $399.99
Amazon Takes $49 Off iPad With Prices Starting at $399.99
16 hours ago
F1 on Apple TV Now Available in Dolby Atmos
F1 on Apple TV Now Available in Dolby Atmos
16 hours ago
Apple Reveals More Than 50 Apps That Will Be Updated for iPhone Duo
Apple Reveals More Than 50 Apps That Will Be Updated for iPhone Duo
17 hours ago
Apple Blocks Certificates That Could Help Attackers Fake Websites
Apple Blocks Certificates That Could Help Attackers Fake Websites
18 hours ago
Giant iPhone Duo Installations Spotted at Apple Fifth Avenue
Giant iPhone Duo Installations Spotted at Apple Fifth Avenue
19 hours ago
iPhone Duo 2 Prototypes Include Under-Display Face ID
iPhone Duo 2 Prototypes Include Under-Display Face ID
19 hours ago
Tesla App Gains iPad and iPhone Duo Support
Tesla App Gains iPad and iPhone Duo Support
23 hours ago
Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone Duo Orders by 44%
Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone Duo Orders by 44%
23 hours ago
Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court Ruling
Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court Ruling
1 day ago
Apple Ordered to Open iPhone to Rival App Stores in Australia
Apple Ordered to Open iPhone to Rival App Stores in Australia
1 day ago
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
1 day ago
Things Updated for iPhone Duo With Adaptive Layout
Things Updated for iPhone Duo With Adaptive Layout
1 day ago
Simplicity and Siri AI Are HomeView's Killer Features, Apple Says
Simplicity and Siri AI Are HomeView's Killer Features, Apple Says
1 day ago
iPhone Duo Reviewers Really Miss Face ID
iPhone Duo Reviewers Really Miss Face ID
1 day ago
Does the iPhone Duo Run Hot? Here's What Reviews Found
Does the iPhone Duo Run Hot? Here's What Reviews Found
1 day ago
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
1 day ago
Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent
Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent
1 day ago
What 32,000 Folds Did to the iPhone Duo's Hinge
What 32,000 Folds Did to the iPhone Duo's Hinge
1 day ago
iPhone Duo's Hidden FaceTime Camera Takes 'Trash' Photos
iPhone Duo's Hidden FaceTime Camera Takes 'Trash' Photos
1 day ago
iPhone Duo Has 'Edge Light' Feature That Debuted on Macs Last Year
iPhone Duo Has 'Edge Light' Feature That Debuted on Macs Last Year
2 days ago