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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple plans to announce a new smart-home hub on Oct. 13, with a screen, FaceTime camera and more personalized Siri features. The reported launch date and specifications have not been confirmed by Apple, which did not immediately respond to CNET’s request for comment.
Apple is reportedly preparing to announce a new smart-home hub on Oct. 13, adding a screen-based device to its HomePod and Apple TV lineup, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The reported hub would pair advanced Siri features with a camera that recognizes household members, but Apple has not confirmed the announcement or the device’s specifications.
In his Power On newsletter, Gurman reported that the device would have a 6-inch rounded-corner screen and a FaceTime camera. The hub is expected to use voice and facial recognition to identify who is speaking and show that person’s information, including a calendar, notes and apps. Siri responses would also be personalized to the person making a request, according to the report.
The report describes two possible versions: a countertop model with a screen on an articulating arm and a wall-mounted version made up of the screen component. Both would need to connect to wall power, rather than running on batteries. Gurman also reported that Apple plans updates to the HomePod mini and Apple TV, including newer processors intended to handle Siri AI requests. The small speaker may also come in additional colors, including pink and green.
Apple had not announced the devices when CNET published its report. CNET said an Apple representative did not immediately respond to its request for comment. The expected product name is also unknown: although “HomePad” has appeared in earlier rumors, Gurman’s report did not identify a name.
A New Screen for Apple Home
If the reported device arrives, it would give Apple customers a dedicated screen for controlling smart-home features and accessing personalized information, alongside the company’s existing speakers and TV box. A camera that distinguishes among household members could tailor what appears on the screen, while a visitor mode is reportedly meant to keep personal information hidden from guests.
The product would also put Apple into a category where customers can already use phones and tablets. A kitchen iPad can show recipes, news or other apps, so Apple would need to show how a hub designed for the home offers enough convenience to justify buying another device. The reported screen and personalized Siri functions suggest one possible distinction, but their usefulness and performance cannot be evaluated until Apple confirms the product and demonstrates it.
A Long-Reported Home Display
Apple’s smart-home display has been the subject of rumors for several years, including reports of a design with a robotic arm that could reposition a screen as someone moves. Gurman’s current report describes an articulating arm on the countertop model, but the supplied reporting does not confirm that it tracks or follows a person.
According to Gurman, delays in progress on Siri and Apple Intelligence pushed back the device’s rollout. The report links the proposed hub to newer Siri capabilities, but does not detail which features would be available at launch or how they would work. Apple’s HomePod and Apple TV currently provide smart-home and media functions without the reported hub’s dedicated screen.
“Gurman reported that Apple plans to announce the hub on Oct. 13.”
— Mark Gurman, Bloomberg
Key Launch Details Remain Unconfirmed
Apple has not confirmed the Oct. 13 announcement, the hub’s existence, its final design or its price. It is also unclear what the device will be called, when it would go on sale, and which Siri or Apple Intelligence features it would support at launch.
The report does not explain what the display would show if several family members are gathered around it, despite describing personalized information tied to the person using the hub. It also does not specify how facial recognition would work in everyday use, what controls users would have over it, or how the reported visitor mode would be activated. Those questions remain open unless Apple provides further details.
Watch for Apple’s Announcement
The next key milestone is whether Apple makes an announcement on the reported Oct. 13 date. If it does, its presentation or product materials could establish the device’s name, price, availability, supported features and privacy controls, as well as confirm whether updated HomePod mini and Apple TV models are part of the event.
Until then, the date and specifications remain claims attributed to Gurman’s reporting. Apple’s response, if any, and hands-on demonstrations would help clarify how the screen, camera and personalized Siri functions work.
Key Questions
When is Apple reportedly planning to announce the hub?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that Apple plans to announce it on Oct. 13. Apple has not confirmed the date.
What features are reported for the device?
The report describes a 6-inch screen, a FaceTime camera, and Siri features that could identify users and personalize displayed information and responses. These specifications remain unconfirmed by Apple.
Will Apple also update HomePod mini and Apple TV?
Gurman’s report says both devices are due for updates, including newer processors intended to handle Siri AI requests. The HomePod mini may also get more colors, including pink and green.
What is the smart-home hub expected to be called?
The name is not known. “HomePad” has appeared in earlier rumors, but Gurman’s report did not give an expected product name.
Has Apple confirmed the product?
No. CNET reported that an Apple representative did not immediately respond to its request for comment. The launch timing and product details remain attributed to Gurman’s report.
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