Apple will launch more hardware on October 13, with high expectations for its smart home lineup. Here’s what you can expect Apple to reveal, and what it probably won’t.
For product launches, Apple is best known for its special September event, which welcomes new iPhone models like the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo. However, it often hosts more events than just one in the fall.
He regularly organizes a second event in October or November, allowing him to launch products that he did not think he could unveil alongside the iPhone. This is exactly the case for fall 2026.
Apple has confirmed that it will host a second fall event on October 13, 2026. Again, this will likely be a pre-recorded presentation recorded at Apple Park, streamed on YouTube, the Apple TV app, and the Apple Event page. Some of the press will be present in New York.
This will be the second round of releases under CEO John Ternus’ tenure.
As per usual, AppleInsider will report in detail on product launches.
What to expect for the October event
Apple had numerous launches at its September 9 “Surprise and Shine” event, including the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and fifth-generation AirPods.
This still leaves a lot of products awaiting introduction. Based on rumors and expectations over the past few months, here’s what you could expect from Apple.
Security cameras and thermostats – probably
The most recent rumors surrounding the event and Apple’s plans include news of an unusual partnership with LG. The partnership will see Apple co-design LG-branded devices, including a smart deadbolt lock, indoor and outdoor security cameras and a floodlight camera.
Despite this, Apple is reportedly still working on its own line of smart home cameras. These are now expected to launch in 2027.
Apple has also worked with Schneider to produce devices including smart thermostats, humidity sensor, and more.
These are all new devices, but Apple is also expected to update its more familiar lines such as the Apple TV and HomePods.
HomePod mini – Probably
Starting with the most likely launches, the HomePod mini should greatly benefit from a refresh. Indeed, Apple’s own code referred to new colors for the refreshed lineup.
The new models will retain the blue, black and white colorways of the first generation set, but the yellow and orange are set to disappear. Instead, they will be replaced with Powder Pink and Forest Green.
An approximation of two new HomePod mini colors.
It won’t just be a color change, as it will almost certainly get a spec update in the form of new chips. Essentially, the chip change will bring support for Siri AI, along with other features.
Other leaked code refers to a new surround sound mode in a four-speaker setup. A “Party Mode” was also mentioned, but that’s not exactly what it means.
Apple TV 4K – Probably
Continuing the smart home theme, the Apple TV 4K is also expected to have a similar glow to the HomePod mini. Again, the main focus of the change will be to introduce support for Siri AI, as indicated in a code leak from June.
Current expectations are an upgrade to the A19 or A19 Pro chip, as well as a possible memory upgrade to 8GB or 12GB. Changes to the chip will also include the N1 networking chip, an Apple-specific design.
An Apple TV 4K and a Siri remote
While the design of the Apple TV 4K itself isn’t expected to change this time around, there could be a new Siri Remote. Although product IDs indicate that a new controller is on the way, rumors are light on what will change.
Our best hope lies in some form of ultra-wideband or Find My integration for Siri Remote.
Home Hub – extremely likely
Rounding out the smart home category is the oft-talked-about Home Hub. Or, at least, that’s what we call pre-launch.
Intended to be the center of a smart home setup, the Home Hub can take the form of half a HomePod with a connected display. A second version is one that could attach to a wall, possibly using a magnetic mount.
A mock-up of what the Home Hub could look like.
In fact, it will be a smart screen that will display notifications, calendars and other important daily details that a user needs to know. It will also handle tasks like FaceTime calls, using a built-in camera.
Although it’s a whole-home device, it will still maintain privacy in one way or another, such as checking nearby iPhones or using AI. This should help it display information aimed at a specific user, not everyone in the house.
The interface will apparently borrow ideas from the Apple Watch, including a home screen with “faces” and a “face gallery.” It appears that users will be able to set complications on the screen that will be visible when not actively in use.
It will also act as a central hub for your smart home, controlling Apple Home devices and providing a central port of call for the network itself.
iPad mini – probably not
Despite being a strong contender for launch alongside iPhones, the iPad mini is still expected to get some form of update in 2026.
The main change of the eighth generation device is expected to be the display. An 8.4-inch LTPS panel with hybrid OLED should bring it in line with the iPad Pro range, if not at the same specification level.
iPad mini on one arm
Beyond the display, you can also count on a chip upgrade. The current favorite is the A20, with the possible inclusion of Apple’s networking and modem chips.
Minor rumored changes include a repositioning of the FaceTime camera, as well as a new vibration-based speaker to help improve water resistance.
MacBook Pro and iMac M6 – End of October
A post-iPhone event usually takes place when Apple introduces new Mac products. However, following the surprise launches of the M6 Mac mini and the Mac Studio update in late August, Apple has fewer models to choose from.
The most obvious models talked about are the M6 models. To catch up with the Mac mini, M6 models of MacBook Pro and iMac are reportedly on the horizon.
The current 24-inch iMac.
MacBook Pro M6 rumors say it will still use a mini LED display with ProMotion, the same six-speaker sound system, ports, and chassis as the current generation.
However, it will instead get an upgrade to the M6 chip, making it a typical Apple upgrade.
It’s a similar story for the 24-inch iMac M6, which should also get a speed boost, while retaining the current design. A redesign with OLED is expected for the iMac, but that will happen in the distant future.
MacBook Pro OLED – Late October
The screen is one of the most notable rumors regarding the MacBook Pro range. Rumors have been circulating about an OLED-equipped model for a while now, and observers believe it could surface this time around.
While speculation places the launch in early 2027, it is now believed to take place in October. Or at least to be announced in October with a November release.
An OLED display can deliver richer black tones and a higher quality picture to users, while consuming less power. As a touchscreen, it will also be the first MacBook to be touchscreen and will join a laptop market that already has many touchscreens.
Besides the display, you can probably expect this to be a spec update, especially using Apple’s newest chips. But there could be a change in construction that would help him lose weight.
On October 4, a report claimed that there would be a significant weight reduction, thanks to Apple redesigning components to be smaller and lighter. It remains to be seen whether the weight loss will be enough to get closer to the lighter MacBook Air.
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