[Digital Today Seung-a Yoo (유승아), intern reporter] Apple is expected to unveil its new smart home hub, "HomeView," on the 13th. The actual launch is expected in mid-November.

On the 11th (local time), Bloomberg's Mark Gurman and several foreign media reported that HomeView will be a central device that integrates and controls an Apple-device-based smart home. It is expected to reshape the user experience with Siri AI.

HomeView is expected to form Apple's smart home lineup together with its smart speaker brand, HomePod. The product is said to feature a roughly 6-inch square touchscreen, with a design similar to the iMac G4, where the display appears to float above a speaker base. It is expected to be released in two versions: a model for placing on a desk or kitchen counter and a wall-mounted model.

It is expected to use an A18 processor. The model with a speaker base is expected to come in four colors: Space Gray, Silver, Starlight and Pink. The wall-mounted version is expected to be offered in Space Gray and Silver.

The user interface is designed around voice control. Users control smart devices in the home through Siri AI and check content and information on the screen. It is also being discussed that the device could identify users through facial recognition and show personalized information such as contacts and schedules. For privacy protection, it is said to also support additional authentication through an iPhone.

The operating system is being discussed under the name "homeOS." It is expected to combine elements of iOS, tvOS and watchOS, support basic applications and widgets such as Apple Music, Podcasts, News, Reminders and Notes, and also offer FaceTime calls. It is not expected to include a separate app store. Instead, it is said it may be possible to display third-party app widgets from nearby iPhones on the screen.

Apple is expected to unveil new models of Apple TV and HomePod mini alongside HomeView. The two products are expected to keep their existing designs while adopting the A19 chip and S10 chip, respectively, to strengthen Siri AI functions. Their launches are expected on Oct. 30, and they are expected to go on sale before HomeView. The Apple TV and HomePod mini may also include an N1 wireless connectivity chip.

Apple is also pushing to expand its smart home ecosystem. It is preparing smart door locks, thermostats, doorbells, and indoor and outdoor security cameras in cooperation with LG. In the European market, it is also said to be working with Schneider Electric. The related accessories are expected to be offered under the name "Apple Home Collection." Some products are expected to support proximity notifications using the iPhone's Dynamic Island and an easy setup function that can be started even when not connected to power. Partner products are expected to be released after the end of this year.

Apple is expected to unveil its new smart home strategy at its "Welcome Home" event on the 13th. A MacBook equipped with a touchscreen is not expected to be unveiled at this event, and is said to possibly appear separately later this month.