Apple’s October 13 Smart Home Refresh: HomeView, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini 2
Apple used a series of press releases rather than a live event to detail its Apple October 13 announcements, refreshing its smart home lineup with three new devices: HomeView, HomePod mini 2, and a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The company also launched Apple Home Collection, a set of smart home accessories including cameras, a lock, and thermostats, alongside an ADT partnership for in-home installation of HomeView and more.
HomeView: a new hub with limits
HomeView is Apple’s all-new smart home hub, priced at $299. It supports up to six people with personalized content, and runs apps and widgets, including third-party apps from an iPhone or iPad. Apple lists five privacy features for the device. It also handles guided recipes and hands-free timers, and can dim to Apple’s lowest-ever display brightness.
The hub comes in four colors, while a wall-mounted version is offered in two colors. That wall model costs more but offers less. HomeView requires an iPhone or iPad for some AI features, and it will not be sold in the European Union. Pre-orders are open now, with a launch set for November 13.
Apple TV 4K gets a speed and AI boost
The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K also costs $299 for the 128GB model. It adds a faster A19 chip, Wi-Fi 7 support, and more internal storage. Far-field microphones enable hands-free Siri, and the device supports surround sound through four HomePods. Apple says the Apple TV 4K and the new Siri Remote together bring 14 new features.
The new Siri Remote is priced at $59 and is compatible with select Apple TV models. Older Apple TV 4K models will gain Apple Intelligence and Siri AI support as well. The Apple TV 4K launches on November 13, with pre-orders available now.
HomePod mini 2 arrives first, but Siri AI waits
HomePod mini 2 costs $149 and comes in new colors. It has a faster chip, a feature called Sound Glow, and supports four-speaker surround sound. Siri AI is on board, but Apple says it will not support Siri AI right away. The speaker launches earlier than the other two devices, on October 30, and pre-orders are already open.
All three home devices will support Siri AI, though the exact timing for HomePod mini 2 remains unspecified. HomeOS, Apple’s prior smart home operating system, is discontinued.
Separately from the home lineup, Beats and Pokémon teamed up for a special-edition Beats Pill speaker. That collaboration is unrelated to the HomeView, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini 2 announcements.
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