Apple’s Welcome Home Launch: HomeView Hub, Apple TV 4K, and HomePod mini

Apple Welcome Home launch — Apple’s Welcome Home launch is expected tomorrow, and the company is preparing to introduce a set of new home accessories. The long-rumored home hub, called HomeView, is expected to be the centerpiece, alongside updated versions of the Apple TV 4K and the HomePod mini. LG is also expected to contribute a range of accessories under the Apple Home Collection.

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HomeView: a Siri AI hub for the home

HomeView is described in rumors as Apple’s home hub, built around Siri AI. It is expected to feature a 6-inch square touch display with bezels, an A18 chip, and 8GB of RAM. Two models are said to be in the works: a wall-mounted version and a speaker-based version. The speaker model reportedly sits on a half-dome base with a flexible arm for tilting.

The device is expected to support Apple apps rather than having its own App Store. It includes a presence sensor and camera, and a Face ID variant may identify nearby users. After authentication, HomeView can display linked iPhone data. Its sensors can be used in HomeKit scenes and automations.

The interface is said to be widget-based, similar to StandBy mode. Users can customize the clock face and idle state. Tapping a widget on the home screen opens the full app. HomeView can show calendars, reminders, messages, and emails, and it can play music, podcasts, audiobooks, videos, TV shows, and movies. It also displays photos, slideshows, and home movies, and supports video calls, news, and recipes. It can suggest dinner ideas and create shopping lists. Voice input is handled through Siri AI.

Multiple HomeViews can be linked for multi-room audio and intercom. Rumors suggest sound quality is better than the HomePod mini. The device lacks a built-in battery and uses USB-C power. The speaker version is expected in gray, silver, starlight, and rose, while the wall version comes in silver and gray. The price is rumored to be around $350, with shipping expected mid-November.

Apple TV 4K: internal upgrades and Siri AI

The Apple TV 4K is expected to keep its same black box design, with changes focused on internal components. It is expected to get an A19 chip, 8GB of RAM, and an N1 networking chip. Connectivity is said to include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and Thread. The A19 chip is expected to improve Siri and gaming performance, with ray tracing and mesh shading. Siri AI features are expected to work like they do on iPhone and iPad.

A new Siri Remote with a speaker for finding is also expected. There are signs that Apple is working on a Beats gaming controller, though it is unclear whether it will launch. The Apple TV 4K price is expected to be at least $199.

HomePod mini: new chip and colors

The HomePod mini is expected to keep its existing design and receive internal upgrades. It is expected to get an S10 chip, second-generation UWB, and an N1 chip with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Siri AI on the HomePod mini would require a nearby AI device, and it can share context across devices. Conversations may save to the connected iPhone’s Siri app. The experience is described as similar to ChatGPT or Claude on a speaker, with follow-ups, multi-requests, and app data. New colors are expected: white, blue, black, sage, and pink. The price is likely $129.

LG Apple Home Collection accessories

LG is making accessories for the Apple Home Collection. These include a video doorbell, thermostat, smart deadbolt, temperature sensor, indoor camera, outdoor camera, and floodlight camera. They are expected to work with HomeView and HomeKit. Availability is slated for later this year at the earliest, and Apple could show them during the announcement.

Announcement timing and availability

There will be no keynote event. The launch is likely to be a video and press releases. A NYC media event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at 9:00 a.m. ET, offering hands-on time. Pre-orders may begin after the launch. The HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K are expected to launch on Friday, October 30, while HomeView is expected to ship mid-November.