Apple Event: Three new products arriving next week

October 9, 2026 4 Min Read

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Apple officially confirmed yesterday that it will hold a product launch event next week, on October 13. With the tagline “Welcome Home,” the launch is expected to focus on new smart home products. Here’s everything to expect at next week’s Apple event.

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Details of Apple “Welcome Home”

There are two parts to the event, as Ryan pointed out. There is an in-person experience for members of the press in New York, as well as what Mark Gurman called an “online video presentation.”

This suggests that we can expect press releases and one or more videos to be released around 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT on October 13. Apple has not confirmed this, so the actual launch may vary. At a minimum, however, we know he will announce something on October 13, and some people will see it in person while the rest of us follow along from home.

What to expect

“HomePad” smart screen

Next week’s headline announcement will be Apple’s long-rumored smart display product, which we call the “HomePad.” Apple believes this product can serve as a central hub for your home, powered by Siri AI and Apple Intelligence.

According to BloombergThe device will have a 6-inch square screen atop a half-dome base, with a metal arm supporting it. The HomePad would come in two variants: one that can be mounted on a wall and one that can sit on a counter. Reports have compared the design to Apple’s iconic iMac G4.

One of the flagship features of the HomePad will be its ability to recognize multiple people in a household. Mark Gurman reports that he can recognize who is speaking to him or approaching him and dynamically adjust what is displayed on the screen.

In terms of software, the HomePad would mix different elements of the Apple Watch, Apple TV and iPad. This includes iPad-style app designs and Apple Watch-style icons. It will also borrow heavily from the iPhone for widgets and StandBy mode.

New Apple TV 4K

Apple is also expected to announce a new Apple TV 4K next week, its first set-top box update since November 2022. The new Apple TV will look like its predecessor, but it would include the A19 or A19 Pro chip.

This improved chip will allow Apple to bring Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features to Apple TV for the first time.

Apple is also reportedly working on new software features for the Apple TV and HomePod. For example, there are code references to a new feature that would let you arrange four full-size HomePods into a surround sound system when paired with Apple TV.

HomePod mini 2

The HomePod mini will also receive its first proper upgrade next week. The big change here will be a new chip that’s much faster than the current model’s S5 processor, supporting Siri AI. For context, the S5 chip used in the current HomePod mini is the same chip Apple debuted with the Apple Watch Series 5.

Beyond the faster chip, the new HomePod mini 2 would be available in new colors:

Pink
White
Green
Blue
Black

Bonus: New “Secondary” Smart Home Equipment

Finally, Apple is working with LG on new “secondary” accessories for HomeKit. Apple has reportedly collaborated with LG to co-develop products including a smart lock, thermostat, doorbell and multiple cameras.

Bloomberg says Apple won’t launch these accessories for “at least a few months.” They could, however, still be introduced as part of Apple’s broader domestic strategy next week.

Conclude

While we obviously have a pretty good idea of what Apple will announce next week thanks to these rumors, I’m still very excited to see the company reveal its roadmap for the home. It feels like a category that Apple has neglected for too long and might finally start taking seriously next week.

What are you most excited to see at Apple’s “Welcome Home” event next week? Are you considering buying the all-new HomePad or upgrading your Apple TV and HomePod mini? Let us know in the comments.