Apple had just had a banger last month with the release of its latest iPhone 18 and iPhone duo, but Apple isn't done yet. The Cupertino-based tech giant is coming out with its 'Welcome Home' event today which is October 13, 2026. This time Apple is going to release a different set of products and will be focusing more on smart home products.
This time at the event you could see the launch of products like Apple TV 4K and the refreshed HomePod Mini. Although as usual Apple has kept things under cover and nothing is confirmed yet but several new upgrades are expected this time to its smart home ecosystem. Lets take a look at what can be expected this time.
'Welcome Home' Event India Timing And Date In India
The 'Welcome Home' event is going to take place on October 13, Tuesday at 6:30 P.M. IST in India and 9 A.M. ET. The event is slated to take place in New York City, in Tribeca. This time the event is expected to have a hands-on experience with in-person media. The reports that also point towards an online video presentation, however when the livestream will go public is unknown, according to 9To5Mac.
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The event was announced by Apple's Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Greg Joswiak, and it was expressed that the focus will be more on the smart home ecosystem this time, although no products are conformed as of now.
Apple HomeView Smart Home Display
Apple could be preparing to enter the smart home display market with a device reportedly known as HomeView or HomePad. The rumoured product is expected to feature a touchscreen alongside voice controls, giving users a single place to manage connected appliances and access apps.
The company is said to be working on two designs, one for a table or desk and another that can be mounted on a wall. The tabletop model could take inspiration from the iMac G4, with its screen attached to a base by a metal arm.
On the software front, Apple could bring together elements of watchOS, tvOS and iPadOS. These may include Apple Watch-style icons, an iPad-like app layout, and iPhone features such as widgets and StandBy mode, according to MacRumors.
Personalisation could be another key feature. Reports suggest the display may recognise individual household members and tailor its experience accordingly. An A18 chip could power the device, potentially allowing it to support Apple's upcoming AI-powered Siri features.
The smart home display is rumoured to cost around $350, which translates to approximately Rs 31,000 to Rs 33,000 before any applicable taxes and other charges. Apple has yet to confirm the product's name, specifications or price.
Upgraded Apple TV 4K
Apple may also have a new Apple TV 4K in the pipeline. The streaming device has not received a major hardware update since November 2022, and its successor is expected to focus on internal improvements rather than a significant design overhaul.
The next model could use Apple's A19 or A19 Pro processor, although reports have yet to establish which chip will make the final cut. The upgrade could also bring Apple Intelligence and more capable Siri features to the device.
Apple has reportedly experimented with built-in microphones that would let users speak to Siri directly through the streaming box, without needing to pick up the remote. It remains unclear whether the feature will be included in the retail version. The company has also tested a Siri Remote with an integrated speaker, which could make it easier to find when lost between sofa cushions or elsewhere in the house.
The potential upgrade comes after Apple increased prices for 14 products in June 2026, including the Apple TV 4K. In the US, the 64GB Wi-Fi model now costs $199, compared with its previous price of $129. The 128GB Wi-Fi + Ethernet version has also become more expensive, rising from $149 to $249.
HomePod Mini 2: Expected Features and Price
The HomePod mini could be next in line for an update, with Apple reportedly considering a faster S10 chip for its second-generation model. The new processor could improve overall performance and help the speaker handle newer Siri capabilities.
Apple may also offer the updated speaker in a wider range of colours. White, midnight, pink, green and blue are among the shades mentioned in reports, though the final selection remains unknown.
Pricing may stay unchanged at $129 in the US, equivalent to roughly Rs 11,500 to Rs 12,000 before taxes and other charges. However, Apple has not confirmed the price or launch details.
The existing HomePod mini also saw a price increase in June 2026, with its US price moving from $99 to $129, according to reports.
When Could the New Apple Products Go on Sale?
Apple may stagger the availability of its upcoming smart home products rather than launch them all together. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has reported that the refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini could reach stores as early as October 30.
The smart home display may arrive a little later, with shipments reportedly expected to begin around mid-November. Apple has not officially announced a launch event or confirmed the release dates for any of these products.