Apple is reportedly preparing to expand its presence in the smart-home market with the launch of a new home hub on October 13, according to Bloomberg News, which cited people familiar with the matter.
The device, reportedly code-named J490, is expected to be accompanied by the first update to the HomePod mini since its debut in 2020 and a new Apple TV set-top box, marking the first update to that product line since 2022.
Apple has not immediately commented on the reported launch plans.
The upcoming smart-home hub is expected to feature a roughly 6-inch square display and could be designed for either wall mounting or countertop placement. According to the report, the device will recognize individual household members and provide personalized content and responses based on their accounts and information.
The launch would mark Apple's broader push into the smart-home market, where the company currently offers products including the HomePod, HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K.
Apple is also expected to focus on artificial intelligence across its home devices. The updated HomePod mini and Apple TV are reportedly set to retain their existing designs while receiving faster processors to support more advanced Siri AI models.
The company unveiled a major planned overhaul of Siri in June as part of its wider efforts to strengthen its artificial intelligence capabilities.
Apple's smart-home expansion comes as the company continues to build on its iPhone-centered ecosystem while seeking new opportunities in connected devices and AI-powered products.
