Apple to launch new smart home hub Oct. 13, Bloomberg reports

• Apple plans to launch a new smart home hub on October 13.
• The device is codenamed J490.
• It will feature a 7-inch touchscreen and a design inspired by the iMac G4.
• The hub will run a new operating system centered around Siri AI.
• Updated versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K are also planned for announcement.

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its long-awaited smart home hub on October 13, marking a significant expansion into the smart home market. The device, internally codenamed J490 and commonly referred to as HomePad, is expected to become the centerpiece of a new generation of Apple home products built around Siri AI.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the new hub will feature a roughly 7-inch touchscreen display and a design inspired by the iconic iMac G4. It is expected to be available in two versions: one for tabletop placement and another designed for wall mounting. Apple reportedly envisions customers using multiple units throughout their homes.

The device is anticipated to run an entirely new interface that combines elements from iOS, tvOS, and watchOS, with Siri AI as its defining feature. Users are expected to be able to ask the hub to find information across their Apple devices, locate photos, play shared media, and perform precise tasks in apps like Notes and Calendar. It will also support FaceTime calls, Intercom, media playback, and centralized controls for smart home accessories.

Integrated cameras and sensors could allow the hub to identify users and personalize the interface, with the display potentially adjusting based on a person's distance. The launch of this hub has been repeatedly delayed, with earlier versions reportedly targeted for release as far back as 2025, due to challenges in developing next-generation Siri technology. The arrival of advanced Siri capabilities in Apple's latest operating systems has apparently removed a key obstacle.

Alongside the new hub, Apple also plans to announce an updated HomePod mini with new colors and a new Apple TV 4K with Siri AI support. The reported October 13 introduction would precede pre-orders for the iPhone Duo on October 16.