All the news from Apple’s ‘Welcome Home’ event
Apple used its October 13 event to present a broader push into the smart home. The main announcement was HomeView, the company’s first smart display, combining a screen and speaker for calls, photos, and quick access to information through Siri.
The company also unveiled the Apple Home Collection, developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. It includes security cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock, thermostats, and home sensors, giving customers several connected-home options from partner manufacturers.
Apple updated its Apple TV 4K with an A19 chip and improved wireless connectivity. The device is due on November 13 and costs $299. Siri AI is part of the update, though it will be offered in beta on second-generation Apple TV 4K models and later.
The HomePod Mini 2 received a new chip intended to support Siri AI, but those features will not be available when the speaker launches. Other additions include lighting that follows album artwork, use as a Mac’s default speaker, and pairing up to four units with the new Apple TV 4K.
The announcements extend Apple’s smart-home lineup across displays, entertainment devices, and home security. The article provides an Apple TV release date, but does not specify launch timing for the other products.
Key points
- HomeView is Apple’s first smart display, designed for calls, photos, and at-a-glance information.
- Apple and partner companies introduced cameras, a video doorbell, a lock, thermostats, and sensors.
- The new Apple TV 4K arrives November 13 for $299; Siri AI support has limits at launch.