The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo were never meant to be the only new Apple devices this fall, and the next batch may be coming in just a couple of weeks. A new Bloomberg report claims that we’re about to get several smart home devices, including the long-rumored hub.
Apple’s “HomePad” smart home hub could launch on October 13
Apple may launch the long-rumored smart home hub, a new version of the HomePod mini, and an upgrade to the Apple TV set-top box on October 13. All three devices are likely going to heavily utilize the overhauled Siri AI assistant, which was launched alongside iOS 27.
The centerpiece of the premiere is said to be the smart home hub, which may feature a throwback design reminiscent of the classic iMac G4. The device is expected to sport a square 6-inch display surrounded by a thick, black bezel, which will connect to a round metal base through a polished metal arm.
The display of the new hub will have all-round corners and no sharp edges, while the base is expected to feature multiple rings of perforated speaker holes and a rubberized bottom. Users will be able to tilt the display backward and forward, but the device is meant to be static as it lacks a battery. Apple is reportedly also working on a second, wall-mounted version, which will have a thinner base.
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The “HomePad” may work with iPad-inspired apps
Apple's new device may look a bit like the Amazon Echo Show. | Image by Amazon
Based on the report, Apple’s new operating system will be built entirely around Siri AI, but the new hub will also rely on apps that will feel a lot like the ones for iPad. The Messages app, for example, is said to feature a two-panel layout where one panel has a list of conversations, which open into a second panel.
The same interface may carry over to other apps. Among the ones that will come pre-installed are Photos, Calendar, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music, and Podcasts. The hub will be able to control other smart devices, as well as video calls, intercom-style calls, music playback, and others.
Reactions online are very mixed when it comes to the new smart home hub. Many users on Reddit have expressed doubts that Apple will be able to compete with Amazon’s aggressive pricing, noting that Echo devices have warped people’s perception of a fair price for such a product. However, quite a few users seemed excited about the design, just asking for Apple to take their money already.
Some redditors are excited about the design of the new hub. | Image by Reddit (screenshot
Finally, an upgrade to the HomePod mini and Apple TV
The HomePod mini may come in new colors. | Image by MacRumors
Alongside the smart hub, Apple is also expected to launch an upgrade to the HomePod mini and the Apple TV. Both devices are said to keep to their current designs, focusing the upgrade on the internals. This means a faster chipset, which is capable of supporting Siri AI, but for the HomePod mini, it also includes new colors, including pink and green.
At a later point, Apple is expected to also update the large HomePod. The company is also said to be working on a new security camera with a sensor, which would detect which room a person is in, and it won’t record video. The long-rumored high-end version of the smart home hub with a robotic arm and a 9-inch display is also under development.
This will be a difficult battle for Apple
The most obvious challenge for Apple’s new smart home products comes from the popularity and low prices of Amazon’s devices. I’d much prefer paying the extra to have the higher privacy offered by Apple, but I’m sure many people are just fine with getting ads on their smart speakers now and then, but paying less.
Funnily enough, the big loser here is Google, despite being so ahead in AI that it helped Apple launch Siri AI. It’s been over five years since the last Nest Hub upgrade, and the Gemini implementation on it has often been described as a disaster. Even six months ago, I wouldn’t bet on Apple beating Google in this type of device, but apparently that’s about to happen.
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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