Apple is reportedly preparing to unveil its first smart home hub on October 13th, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The device, which has been rumored for some time, will be introduced alongside a new HomePod mini and an upgraded Apple TV. All three products are expected to highlight Siri AI, Apple's revamped AI-powered assistant, with the hub serving as the centerpiece of the announcement.
The hub marks a new product category for Apple. It will reportedly include a 6-inch display that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a countertop, and Gurman describes it as being about as thick as an iPhone. The screen's bezels are said to resemble those of older iPads.
In appearance, the device is expected to draw comparisons to Apple's iMac G4, thanks to a round metal base that houses speakers and microphones along with a metal arm supporting the screen. That design is said to allow the display to tilt. Apple will reportedly also sell a second, wall-mounted version with a thinner base that holds the speakers and microphones. The hub is expected to use a USB-C power supply, since it does not have an internal battery, and Gurman reports it will come in Apple's standard gray aluminum finish.
The operating system built around Siri AI for the hub is said to lean toward iPad-like apps, with Gurman reporting that the Messages app features a two-panel layout. The device will reportedly support controlling other smart devices, video calls, music playback, photo slideshows, and intercom-style calls. It is also expected to use voice and facial recognition to identify users.
The announcement would group the hub with two refreshed products already familiar to Apple customers in the United States. The new HomePod mini and the upgraded Apple TV are both set to showcase Siri AI as well. Apple has not confirmed the October 13th date or any details of the three products.
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