Apple Launches Smart Home Hardware on October 13: Smart Display, HomePod Mini, and Apple TV 4K Upgrades

Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its smart home hardware on October 13. The move includes a brand-new smart display hub, an updated HomePod mini, and a refreshed Apple TV box.

The new smart display, code-named J490 and J491, features a six-inch square screen with dynamic facial and voice user recognition. It will run on an operating system that combines elements of iPadOS, watchOS, and StandBy mode from iOS.

Apple's smart display is designed to capitalize on user frustration with Google Home automation bugs and compromises on the Pixel Tablet. The device includes personalized household presence features, visitor privacy mode, and iPhone fallback authentication.

The launch will also include an updated HomePod mini 2 and a faster Apple TV 4K. Both products are expected to look largely the same but will be upgraded specifically to run Apple's new on-device and cloud-based AI models.