Gadgets

Apple ‘Welcome Home’ Event Live Updates: New Smart Home Products Unveiled

Apple has unveiled a new range of smart-home products at its “Welcome Home” event, led by HomeView, the company's first dedicated smart display. Priced at $299, HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12-megapixel camera for FaceTime and personalised experiences for up to six household members. It can control compatible smart-home devices and display security-camera feeds, with Apple Intelligence features working through a connected iPhone. Apple also announced the HomePod mini 2 for $149, adding an S10 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 and new colour options. However, its new Siri AI capabilities will arrive in a later software update. The refreshed Apple TV 4K, also priced at $149, adds built-in microphones for hands-free Siri controls and expanded surround-sound support.

Poulami Saha, Soham Halder

Apple has unveiled a new range of smart-home products at its “Welcome Home” event, led by HomeView, the company's first dedicated smart display. Priced at $299, HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12-megapixel camera for FaceTime and personalised experiences for up to six household members. It can control compatible smart-home devices and display security-camera feeds, with Apple Intelligence features working through a connected iPhone.

Apple also announced the HomePod mini 2 for $149, adding an S10 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 and new colour options. However, its new Siri AI capabilities will arrive in a later software update. The refreshed Apple TV 4K, also priced at $149, adds built-in microphones for hands-free Siri controls and expanded surround-sound support.

Beyond its own devices, Apple introduced the Home Collection, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The lineup includes security cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock and thermostats, expanding Apple's connected-home ecosystem.

HomeView is available to preorder, with availability beginning November 13, while HomePod mini 2 shipments are scheduled to start October 30. The new Apple TV 4K is also available to preorder, with shipments expected from November 13. 

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Apple HomeView: A New Smart Home Hub

Apple’s rumoured HomeView device could become the centrepiece of its smart-home strategy. Reports describe a touchscreen hub designed for tabletop placement or wall mounting. It could allow users to control smart locks, doorbells, thermostats and other connected devices through Siri and Apple’s Home app.

The device is also expected to support personalised experiences for different household members. Its reported features include a six-inch display and an A18 chip. Apple has not confirmed the product name, hardware specifications or pricing.

Apple TV 4K: Performance and AI Upgrades

A refreshed Apple TV 4K is another anticipated announcement. Reports suggest the streaming device could retain its existing design while receiving a faster processor and expanded Siri capabilities.

The upgrade could strengthen Apple TV’s role in the connected home, combining entertainment with smart-device controls. A revised Siri Remote and improved wireless connectivity have also featured in pre-launch reports. The final specifications remain unconfirmed.

HomePod mini 2: Smarter Audio Experience

Apple could introduce a second-generation HomePod mini with an upgraded S10 chip and additional colour options. The processor could support enhanced Siri capabilities and improve the speaker’s role in Apple’s smart-home ecosystem.

The new model is expected to retain the compact design of its predecessor. However, Apple has yet to confirm its features, audio improvements, pricing or availability.

Smart Home Accessories and Siri AI

Apple’s broader strategy could extend to third-party smart-home accessories developed with partners such as LG. Reports have pointed to potential products including smart locks, thermostats, doorbells and security cameras.

The success of this strategy will depend on how effectively Apple integrates third-party devices and improves Siri’s reliability. A simpler setup process and wider compatibility could help Apple compete with Amazon and Google, which already have established smart-home ecosystems.

When and How to Follow the Event

Apple’s New York media experience is scheduled for October 13 at 9 am Eastern Time, equivalent to 6:30 pm IST. The company has not confirmed a conventional public livestream. Product announcements may instead appear through Apple Newsroom releases and media coverage from invited journalists.

The anticipated launches could strengthen Apple’s position in connected living, but the company must demonstrate meaningful improvements in usability, compatibility and AI-powered assistance. Official announcements will determine whether the reported products and features become reality.

Apple HomeView Key Specifications

The Apple HomeView is expected to be announced today, and here's the key specs and features according to recent Bloomberg reports. The device will support following features:

  • A18 chip

  • 6-inch touchscreen

  • Countertop model with metal speaker base

  • Wall-mounted version with flat, square base

  • Siri AI voice control

It will work with LG devices, including smart doorbell, deadbolt lock, thermostat and security cameras

HomeView Smart Display Launches at $299, New Smart Home Products Unveiled

Apple is bringing its smart-home ambitions into focus with its “Welcome Home” event on October 13. The spotlight is on the new HomeView smart display, alongside updates to Apple TV, HomePod mini and connected-home accessories. Follow our live blog for the latest announcements, features, pricing details and everything Apple is doing to make its ecosystem more useful around the house.

Apple HomePod Mini 2 Launched

The new HomePod mini 2 features an S10 chip, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6, Thread and Matter support, along with five colour options. Priced at $149, it is scheduled to begin shipping on October 30, while Siri AI capabilities will arrive in a later software update. 

New Apple TV 4K Released

Apple's refreshed Apple TV 4K introduces four built-in microphones for hands-free Siri commands, reducing the need to use the remote or a HomePod. Priced at $149, it also integrates with compatible iPhones for Siri AI features. Preorders are open, with shipping expected to begin November 13.

Key Details about Apple Home Collectio

Apple has introduced a new smart-home accessories lineup with partners LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. It includes indoor and outdoor security cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock and thermostats, designed to work with Apple's Home ecosystem. The collection aims to simplify connected-home management, although availability dates vary by product. 

Apple is announcing the products as part of a major push into the smart home space, led by its new Siri AI-powered HomeView smart display. The devices are the first smart home gadgets the company has made for Apple Home; previously, it relied on third parties to make products for the platform. While third parties manufactured these, Apple co-developed each product and says they are designed to work seamlessly with Apple Home.

Apple HomeView Can Display Up to Nine Security Camera Feeds

Apple's HomeView smart display can show live feeds from up to nine compatible security cameras, making it a central monitoring screen for the home. It also supports adjustable display brightness, FaceTime calls and personalised widgets. The device comes in tabletop and wall-mounted versions, both priced at $299, and is scheduled to become available on November 13.

Apple Home Collection Adds a Smart Lock With Hands-Free Unlocking

Apple's new Home Collection includes an LG smart deadbolt priced at $349, with Apple Home Key support and ultra-wideband technology for hands-free unlocking. Users can also unlock the door with a PIN or physical key. The lock works with Apple's Home ecosystem and is scheduled to arrive in the US and Canada starting in December.

Update: Apple's New Video Doorbell Features Dual Cameras

The new LG video doorbell in Apple's Home Collection costs $249 and features two cameras, including a downward-facing lens designed to monitor delivered packages. Both cameras support up to 2.5K resolution, while HomeKit Secure Video enables notifications for visitors, packages, pets and vehicles. The doorbell requires existing wired doorbell connections, and its release date has not yet been confirmed. 

Apple Introduces Two Smart Thermostats for $199 Each

Apple's new Home Collection includes two smart thermostats, one developed with LG Electronics and the other with Schneider Electric. Both are priced at $199 and support Matter, allowing compatibility with other smart-home platforms. They also include remote sensors for monitoring temperature and humidity, with US and Canadian availability planned for December.

Apple HomeView Gets Personalized Screens and Snoopy Animations

Apple HomeView offers customisable screen designs, including a Photos view with portrait-style depth effects, an interactive Flow display and animated Snoopy scenes that respond to the time of day, weather and special events. It can recognise up to six household members and show each person a personalised home screen while keeping individual content private. 

HomePod mini 2 Introduces Sound Glow Feature

Apple's HomePod mini 2 introduces Sound Glow, which makes the speaker's top surface glow and pulse in sync with music. The lighting responds to bass and treble, while album artwork can inspire colours matching the current song. Users can also choose soundscapes such as rain to create atmospheric animations. 

Apple Home Collection Cameras Can Record During Wi-Fi Outages

Apple said its new Home Collection cameras feature built-in storage that allows recording to continue during Wi-Fi outages. Compatible cameras also support 10 days of event-video history through iCloud+, while eligible plans add AI-generated video descriptions and natural-language search. The features are designed to help users find relevant security footage without reviewing every clip manually.

Apple Promises App-Free Setup for Its New Smart-Home Accessories

Apple says its Home Collection accessories can be added to the Apple Home app with a single tap on an iPhone, without installing separate apps or creating additional accounts. The products support Thread and are designed to work together through Siri and automated home routines. Apple says the collection will begin arriving in December, with select accessories following in early 2027.

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