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Apple Announces October 13 Event: Smart Home Hub, HomePod Mini 2 and Apple TV Expected

Apple Sets October 13 Event For Home Devices After September iPhone Launch Apple scheduled a closed-door product showcase for October 13, 2026, focusing on smart home hardware following its September debut of the foldable iPhone Duo. Novinky reported…

Apple Announces October 13 Event: Smart Home Hub, HomePod Mini 2 and Apple TV Expected

Apple Sets October 13 Event For Home Devices After September iPhone Launch

Apple scheduled a closed-door product showcase for October 13, 2026, focusing on smart home hardware following its September debut of the foldable iPhone Duo. Novinky reported that senior vice president of worldwide marketing Greg Joswiak announced the date via a video teaser carrying the tagline “Welcome home.” Selected journalists received invitations to the Apple Experience event in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City, set to begin at 9:00 a.m. local time, according to mobilenet.cz. Unlike traditional Apple launches, the gathering will take place behind closed doors without a live video broadcast, meaning the general public will receive details through subsequent press releases.

HomeView Hub Leads Second October Wave Alongside HomePod Mini 2

The primary hardware introduction is expected to be a smart home hub featuring a touchscreen and voice control via Siri. Bloomberg analyst Mark Gurman reported that the device will use the name HomeView rather than the previously rumored HomePad, according to MacRumors and Letem světem Applem. The hub is designed for tabletop use with a speaker base or wall mounting, powered by an A18 chip. It runs Apple applications but lacks the App Store for third-party developer software. Appliště noted that the interface includes automated photo framing from Apple Photos, live song lyrics during music playback, and visual Siri responses. The hub is slated to hit stores around mid-November.

Chip Upgrades And Connectivity Shifts Contrast Two Product Generations

Apple will refresh the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K alongside the new hub, with sales reportedly starting on October 30. Letem světem Applem reported that the second-generation HomePod mini upgrades from the older S5 processor to an Apple S10 chip, enabling advanced Siri AI features. The updated speaker also adopts the Apple N1 networking chip, adding Thread and Matter support alongside Wi-Fi 7 connectivity to replace the original model’s Wi-Fi 4. Color options expand to include pink, green, and blue alongside dark ink and white. Jablickar noted that this home hardware lineup will be followed in the final week of October by new Mac releases, including OLED MacBook Ultra models and M6-powered MacBook Pro and iMac variants.

Apple Announces October 13 Event: Smart Home Hub, HomePod Mini 2 and Apple TV Expected
Photo: Appliště

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the October Apple event take place?

The event is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at the Apple Experience space in the Tribeca district of New York City, starting at 9:00 a.m. local time.

What is the expected release date for the HomeView smart home hub?

The HomeView hub is slated to reach retail shelves around the middle of November 2026.

Which processor powers the new HomePod mini 2?

The second-generation HomePod mini utilizes the Apple S10 chip, replacing the S5 processor found in the original model.

About the author: Anika Shah - Technology

MSc in Computer Science, senior reporter. Anika focuses on AI ethics, cybersecurity, and emerging hardware—frequently moderating panels at CES and Web Summit. “Anika Shah decodes tech breakthroughs and startup disruption shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape.”