The Apple smart home hub is reportedly arriving at an Apple event on October 13, alongside a new HomePod mini and a new Apple TV 4K. Apple hasn’t confirmed any of it yet. Everything below comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, as relayed by MacRumors.
If you’ve been waiting for Apple’s answer to the Nest Hub and Echo Show, this is it. Here’s what’s reported so far, and what’s still unknown.
Here are the quick facts, all based on reports rather than an official announcement:
- Reported date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Products: a smart home hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV 4K
- Hub screen: a square display, reported at roughly 6 to 7 inches
- Price: not reported yet
The point is simple: the hub is the headline, and the other two are chip upgrades for Siri AI.
What the Apple smart home hub reportedly looks like
According to MacRumors, the hub takes design cues from the old iMac G4. Think a square screen on a base, not a tall speaker with a tablet stuck on it.
Reports differ slightly on size. One MacRumors report says about 7 inches, while the event write-up says 6 inches. Treat it as “small, square, and wall- or counter-friendly” until Apple shows it.
Gurman also says a higher-end model is in development. It would have a 9-inch display on a robotic arm that swivels 360 degrees, but that’s not part of the October 13 lineup.
What you’ll do with it
The reported jobs are controlling your smart home, playing music, and making video calls. Siri AI is the engine behind all of it.
That matters because Apple delayed these products for years. They were reportedly planned for 2024, then held back until Siri was good enough. If you want to see where Siri is heading, our look at Siri AI extensions in iOS 27 covers the software side.
New HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K: what changes
Both devices reportedly keep their current looks. The change is on the inside, so they can run Siri AI properly.
| Device | Design | Reported upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Smart home hub | New, iMac G4-style, square screen | All-new product built around Siri AI |
| HomePod mini | Same as today | Faster chip, new pink and green colors |
| Apple TV 4K | Same as today | A17 chip or newer, plus the N1 wireless chip |
We covered the earlier leak in our Apple TV 4K release date post. The October 13 date is new information since then.
What we still don’t know
Price is the big gap. None of the reports we found give a figure, so any number you see online is a guess.
The event itself is also unconfirmed. Apple usually sends invites about a week ahead, so an official announcement should land soon if the date holds.
Apple is also reportedly working on a privacy-focused home security sensor, but there’s no timing for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Apple smart home hub be released?
Gurman reports it will be announced on October 13. Apple hasn’t said when it ships or what it costs.
How much will the Apple smart home hub cost?
No reliable price has been reported yet. We’ll know once Apple announces it.
Do I need a new iPhone to use it?
That hasn’t been reported. Siri AI features usually need recent hardware, so check compatibility at launch.
Will the new HomePod mini look different?
Not according to the reports. It should keep its design, with a faster chip and new pink and green options.
My take: wait for the event before you buy any smart speaker or streaming box this fall. If Siri AI works well on these devices, the hub could be the first Apple home product worth getting excited about. If you only need a cheap speaker, the HomePod mini refresh is the safer bet.
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