Apple ‘Welcome Home’ Event Set for October 13: New Smart Home Gadgets Expected

The company has announced a special “Welcome home” experience scheduled for October 13, 2026, in New York. The announcement was shared by Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, Greg Joswiak, on X, accompanied by a short teaser that hints at a home-focused product launch.

Welcome home. October 13. https://t.co/ChelGSDOTI

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 8, 2026

Apple has yet to confirm which devices will be unveiled, but the timing and tagline line up with reports that the company is preparing several new products for the smart home market.

A New Smart Home Hub Could Steal the Show

The biggest potential announcement is Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub, unofficially referred to as the “HomePad.” The device is expected to combine a touchscreen display with smart home controls and a built-in speaker, effectively bringing together some of the capabilities of an iPad and a HomePod in a single product.

Rumors point to a roughly six-inch square display, with Apple potentially offering a tabletop version and another designed for wall mounting. The hub could serve as a central place to control compatible smart home accessories, check calendars, view information, play music, and make FaceTime calls.

Siri is also expected to play a major role, potentially making it easier for users to control connected devices through voice commands. If these reports prove accurate, the device could give Apple users a more convenient way to manage their homes without constantly reaching for an iPhone or iPad.

HomePod mini and Apple TV Could Get Updates, Too

The HomePod mini is reportedly due for an update, several years after the original speaker debuted in 2020. A new model could bring improvements to Apple’s compact smart speaker, although its final specifications and features remain unconfirmed.

An updated Apple TV 4K is also rumored to be in the pipeline. A refreshed streaming box could give Apple another opportunity to strengthen its position in the living room, particularly for users who already rely on Apple devices and services for entertainment.

Together, these products could help Apple build a more connected experience across its smart home hub, speakers, television, and other HomeKit-compatible accessories.

Apple Could Be Looking Beyond Its Own Devices

There have also been reports about Apple working with third-party manufacturers on additional smart home accessories, potentially including products such as smart doorbells, locks, thermostats, and cameras.

However, it remains unclear which accessories, if any, will be announced on October 13. Some of these rumored products could arrive later rather than alongside Apple’s own hardware. A broader range of compatible accessories would be an important step for Apple’s smart home ambitions. Consumers increasingly expect smart devices from different brands to work together, rather than being locked into a single manufacturer’s ecosystem.

Apple’s existing Home app and HomeKit platform already provide a foundation for connected home control. New hardware could make that experience more accessible to people who want a dedicated screen or speaker in a central location.

What to Expect on October 13

Apple has confirmed the date and “Welcome home” branding, but it has not officially announced the rumored product lineup. The October 13 gathering is described as an “Apple Experience,” with invited members of the press expected to attend in New York.

That distinction matters because a traditional livestreamed keynote has not been confirmed. Apple could instead reveal the products through its Newsroom, accompanied by videos and hands-on coverage from attendees.

For now, the smart home hub, HomePod mini refresh, and new Apple TV 4K remain anticipated announcements rather than confirmed products. Still, the “Welcome home” teaser suggests that Apple is ready to put its home ecosystem in the spotlight. If the rumored devices arrive, October 13 could mark an important moment for users looking to make their homes smarter and more connected.