Apple’s HomePad could arrive as early as October

Apple’s long-rumored smart home hub could arrive as early as October, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The device, often described as a “HomePod with a screen,” is intended to compete with products such as the Google Nest Hub Mini and Amazon Echo Show.

Gurman reports that the hub will feature a 7-inch square display and a new operating system based on Apple’s tvOS. Its interface will reportedly combine grids of icons, widgets, and apps inspired by iOS and WatchOS.

The revamped Siri will sit at the center of the device, which is expected to support video calls, security functions, and intercom features connecting it with other Apple Home products. The hub may also adjust its interface automatically, including text and icon sizes, based on who is viewing the screen.

Apple’s expanding smart home lineup

The device is part of a broader effort to move Apple deeper into smart home hardware. Until now, the company has relied largely on third-party accessories in the category. Apple reportedly planned to unveil the display in spring 2025, but delayed it after postponing its AI-upgraded Siri. The launch is now expected to align with iOS 27 and the updated Siri.

Apple is also reportedly developing:

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• A high-end security camera to compete with Amazon’s Ring system
• A new Apple TV device
• A new HomePod mini

Further out, the company may introduce a rumored robotic arm with a screen. Gurman cautions that the new hardware could be delayed again, but expects an announcement sometime between October and early next year.

Update, 1 October 2026 — October 13 debut and four finishes reported

MacRumors reports that Apple plans to unveil the home hub on Tuesday, October 13, citing Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman for the date. The report also says Gurman expects tabletop and wall-mounted versions, with the tabletop model using a polished metal arm and a round, speaker-equipped base.

Leaker pdfu says the device may be offered in Silver, Space Gray, Starlight, and Rose Pink. MacRumors says contributor Aaron Perris previously found those four finish names in macOS 26.7 Release Candidate code, though Gurman had described only a standard gray aluminum finish.

Update, 3 October 2026 — Three smart-home products set for October 13

MacRumors reports that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects Apple to introduce three smart-home products on October 13: the hub, a new HomePod mini, and a new Apple TV. Gurman did not specify the format of the introduction. The report says Apple retail stores have received confidential boxes marked “Do Not Open Until October 8,” although it is unclear whether they relate to the smart-home products or the iPhone Duo.

MacRumors also describes the hub as having an iMac G4-style design, a front-facing FaceTime camera, and a square 6-inch display. That measurement differs from the 7-inch figure in the earlier Bloomberg report. The device is also said to support customizable Photo Faces drawing from a user’s photo library, Memories, and shared albums.

Update, 10 October 2026 — Apple confirms October 13 home launch

Apple has announced a product launch for Tuesday, October 13, under the “Welcome Home” name. MacRumors reports that the launch is expected to focus on the smart-home hub, a new Apple TV 4K, and a refreshed HomePod mini.

The products are expected to be introduced through press releases rather than a streamed presentation. Select media members will get hands-on time at an Apple Experience in New York City beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern that day.

Update, 10 October 2026 — No App Store expected at launch

MacRumors reports that the hub is not expected to include an App Store or support third-party apps at launch. The report says the platform will instead ship with Apple apps including Calendar, Camera, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News, Reminders and Notes, alongside a new Siri app with conversation history.

MacRumors also says the device is expected to use an A18 chip or newer, with Apple Intelligence and the AI-upgraded Siri positioned as central features. The operating system may be called homeOS, according to the report, though Apple has not announced a name.

Update, 11 October 2026 — HomeView shipping is pegged for mid-November

MacRumors reports that Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman expects Apple’s smart-home hub, called HomeView, to ship around mid-November, about a month after the planned October 13 “Welcome Home” unveiling. Gurman says the new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini models will reach customers and stores first, on October 30.

Gurman describes a countertop HomeView with a metal speaker base in space gray, silver, starlight, and pink, plus a wall-mounted model with a flat square base available only in space gray and silver. He says the device will be controlled mainly by voice, while retaining touch input, and will have a limited set of Apple apps rather than a dedicated App Store.

Update, 13 October 2026 — HomeView costs $299 and ships November 13

Mashable reports that Apple announced HomeView on Tuesday, opening U.S. preorders at $299 and setting availability for November 13. The company presented two configurations: a display attached to a domed speaker base by a tilting stainless-steel arm, and a display-only wall-mounted model.

Apple says the 7-inch Liquid Retina display supports up to six individual profiles, using facial recognition to tailor the screen for the person approaching it. The speaker-base version will come in silver, starlight, pink rose, and space gray; the wall-mounted version is limited to silver and space gray. Mashable says HomeView’s full personal-context features require a linked Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone or iPad.