Apple is preparing to unveil an innovative smart home controller on October 13, marking the company’s largest hardware expansion under its new CEO, John Ternus. The device features a square screen and a design reminiscent of classic iMac computers, alongside full integration of Siri’s intelligent capabilities.
- Classic design inspired by famous iMac computers
- Central Siri intelligence and personalized family member recognition
- Fierce competition for repositioning and comprehensive administrative restructuring
- Frequently asked questions
Classic design inspired by famous iMac computers
American company Apple is preparing to officially unveil a central smart home device on October 13, according to an investigative report published by Bloomberg specialist journalist Mark Gurman. This initiative represents Apple’s most ambitious move into the connected home appliances market and serves as the first major hardware expansion led by the company under the supervision of its new CEO, John Ternus.
The device’s launch will coincide with the unveiling of the first upgrade to the HomePod mini speaker since 2020 and the first update to the Apple TV streaming device since 2022. The main device carries an internal codename of J490 and is informally referred to in tech circles as the “HomePad”. The device features a square screen measuring approximately 6 inches mounted on a semi-circular metal base, in a design that evokes the iconic look of Apple’s legendary iMac G4 launched in 2002. The company has also designed a second model bearing the code J491 dedicated to direct wall mounting via magnetic bases, with both models requiring power connection via a USB-C port without relying on internal batteries or mechanical volume buttons.
Central Siri intelligence and personalized family member recognition
The “Siri intelligence” system forms the operational core and beating heart of the new device; Apple began rolling out its updated beta version on September 14, positioning this device as the physical incubator for Apple’s generative aspirations inside homes. The device’s release was delayed by about 18 months from its scheduled timeline due to setbacks and delays in the readiness of advanced Siri capabilities.
The device’s exceptional feature is its ability to instantly recognize household members via facial scanning and voice matching, automatically displaying personalized widgets, calendars, messages, and music tailored to each individual as they approach. The device is also equipped with a special guest and visitor mode that automatically hides all sensitive personal information and data in the presence of strangers. The software interface combines visual elements derived from Apple Watch, Apple TV, and iPad devices, offering iPhone-like control tools alongside a dual messaging interface inspired by the iPad Messages app.
Fierce competition for repositioning and comprehensive administrative restructuring
This move puts Apple in direct competition with Amazon’s Echo Show and Google’s Nest Hub screens, which have dominated the smart home display sector for years—a sector where Apple has suffered from sluggishness despite launching its home ecosystem back in 2016. The updated HomePod mini and Apple TV devices will retain their familiar external designs, but will be equipped with much faster processors to support local artificial intelligence processing on the device.
These launches coincide with a major organizational restructuring led by Ternus, who took over company leadership from Tim Cook on September 1; Bloomberg revealed that he is studying reducing middle management layers and abandoning the traditional spring and fall launch cycle in favor of a more flexible and closely spaced rollout pace. Analysts believe the anticipated announcement on October 13—which precedes the opening of pre-orders for the “iPhone Duo” phones on October 16—aims to deepen families’ connection to Apple’s integrated ecosystem, with unconfirmed leaks suggesting the device is likely to be priced around $350.
Frequently asked questions
Question: What is the expected release date for Apple’s new smart home device?
Answer: The device is scheduled to be unveiled on October 13 according to a Bloomberg news report.
Question: How does the HomePad design evoke the spirit of classic Apple products?
Answer: It features a 6-inch square screen resting on a rounded metal base reminiscent of the famous 2002 iMac G4 design.
Question: What are the most prominent generative intelligence features integrated into the home device?
Answer: The device recognizes the faces and voices of household members to provide personalized interfaces while automatically hiding personal data when visitors are present.
