Apple is set to unveil a slew of new products on Tuesday, Oct. 13 , with a focus on the smart home category and Siri's artificial intelligence capabilities . The company's chief marketing officer, Greg Joswiak , previewed the announcements , without revealing all the details about the devices that will make their appearance.
Unlike Apple's usual launch events, there is no big online or physical event for the general public. Instead, the company has invited select media representatives to New York to try out the new products. For the rest, information is expected to be released through press releases and related materials that will be available on the day of the announcements.
The scheduled tours begin at 9:00 a.m. local time on October 13, suggesting that the first reveals could take place around that time. The video posted by Joswiak reinforces speculation that Apple will focus on at least three devices, with one of them being an entirely new addition to its ecosystem.
Apple Home Hub: The new central device for the smart home
The product garnering the most attention is the much-talked-about Home Hub , a device that aims to be the central point for managing a home's smart functions. Rumors have been circulating for months, with delays reportedly attributed to the need to integrate Siri 's new AI capabilities .
The device is expected to feature a display of around six inches and will be released in two different versions. The first will be intended for wall installation, while the second can be placed on a speaker stand with a hemispherical design. In this way, Apple could offer different placement options, depending on the space and needs of each household.
On the functional level, the Home Hub is rumored to be based on a customized version of tvOS, which could be called homeOS. The interface will combine apps, widgets, and Apple, allowing users to have instant access to information like their calendar, reminders, and other daily activities.
The device is also expected to act as a control center for compatible smart home devices. Through the display and voice commands, users will be able to manage lighting, connected devices and other functions, without having to constantly use their iPhone.
See also: New Apple event on October 13?
Personalized information and upgraded Siri
One of the features that may differentiate the Home Hub from similar solutions on the market is the personalization of the experience. According to the information so far, the device will have a camera and presence sensors, so that it can sense when someone is near it and adjust the content on the screen depending on the family member.
Facial recognition is reportedly used to identify users and display different information to each person. For example, one family member could see their own reminders and to-dos, while another would have access to their personal calendar.
This approach could make the Home Hub more useful in everyday life, especially for families with multiple users. However, the feature facial recognition and processing of personal information raise legitimate questions about privacy, data storage, and access control.
Siri is expected to play a key role in the device's operation, offering answers and facilitating the operation of connected systems. When the Home Hub is not in use, the screen will be able to display the time and selected widgets. The camera will also allow for video calls, while the capability video playback could prove useful in spaces like the kitchen.
The estimated starting price is around $350, though the final cost and availability have not been officially confirmed. The rumored price puts the device in a category where Apple will need to prove that its AI capabilities and integration with its ecosystem offer substantial added value.
HomePod mini: New processor and support for modern networks
The HomePod mini is also expected to get a refresh, with reports suggesting new color options and a faster processor. The device may also feature the new N1 networking chip, which is rumored to offer support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread.
These upgrades could improve communication with other devices, wireless connection reliability, and smart home responsiveness. Thread, in particular, is an important element for connecting compatible low-power devices, while support for modern networking standards could prepare the HomePod mini for the next generations of Apple services.
See also: Apple's iOS 27.2 beta 2 reveals new anti-hacking protections
Additionally, new Siri and AI capabilities, although it remains unknown which features will be available from day one and which may require later software updates.
Apple TV 4K: Performance upgrades and more AI
The list of possible announcements also includes a new version of the Apple TV 4K. The device is said to have a more powerful processor and more RAM, with scenarios mentioning the A19 or A19 Pro and 8GB or 12GB of memory. Specific specifications remain unconfirmed.
Like the HomePod mini, it is expected to utilize the N1 chip, with support for Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The upgrade could improve performance in demanding applications and enhance the device's role as a central entertainment hub.
The interest, however, also lies in Siri. A more sophisticated voice assistant could make it easier to search for content, control playback, and interact with other devices in the Apple ecosystem. Whether the new features will fully utilize artificial intelligence remains to be confirmed.
What else is Apple preparing by the end of 2026?
The October announcements may be just a part of the company's plans for the final quarter of the year. Among the products that have been linked to future upgrades is a new iPad mini with an OLED display, improved water resistance and a faster processor. The move to OLED could offer better contrast and deeper blacks, but it may come with a higher price tag.
See also: Apple surpasses Samsung in smartphone sales through carriers in Europe
Meanwhile, Apple is reportedly considering a premium MacBook with an OLED touchscreen, thinner and lighter design. It's unclear whether this will be a refreshed MacBook Pro or a new category of device called the MacBook Ultra. Rumors have suggested that the M5 Pro and M5 Max will be used, though details have not been confirmed.
The company is also reportedly planning an iMac with an M6 processor, as well as a 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same generation of processors. These devices may be introduced later, once the relevant schedule is confirmed.
Rumors suggest another event on October 27th, focusing on new Macs and the iPad mini. However, until official announcements are made, the exact schedule remains uncertain.
The key question for Apple is whether it can turn artificial intelligence into a practical asset for the smart home, beyond the usual voice commands. The announcements on October 13 are expected to provide a clearer picture of the company's strategy and the role Siri will play in its new generation of devices.
