[Digital Today reporter Jinju Hong (홍진주)] Apple is expected to hold a 'Welcome Home' event at 9 a.m. on Oct. 13 (U.S. Eastern time) and unveil three new smart home products. The focus of the event is likely to be a new smart display, 'HomeView', a new Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2.

According to major foreign media outlets including IT site 9to5Mac, the event will be split between an in-person press event in New York and an online video presentation. Apple has not confirmed the specific format and timing, but it has made official that product announcements will take place at least at some point on the 13th. Some attendees are expected to see the products first on site, while general users will follow online.

The product drawing the most attention is HomeView. It is a smart display Apple has long been preparing, and it is expected to serve as a central hub linking devices in the home. Bloomberg mentioned the product name would be HomeView, and Apple was reported to be seeking to strengthen home control by combining Siri AI and Apple Intelligence in the device.

Its form factor has been described as a combination of a 6-inch square display and a hemispherical base. The screen is supported by a metal arm, and it may come in two versions, wall-mounted and tabletop. Some observers said the design recalls the iMac G4.

A key function is recognising family members. HomeView is known to be able to identify who is speaking and who is approaching the device and change what appears on the screen. The software is expected to mix elements of watchOS, Apple TV and iPadOS, while also reflecting some iPhone-based experiences such as widgets and StandBy mode. Still, even if it is unveiled on the 13th, the actual release could be in November, it has been suggested.

The Apple TV 4K is also expected to be revamped for the first time since November 2022. The exterior is not expected to change much, but it is expected to include an A19 or A19 Pro chip. If applied, the chip could make it possible for the Apple TV to support Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features for the first time.

The new Apple TV may also add a built-in microphone for Siri interactions. The Siri Remote may include a speaker, making it easier to locate if lost. Alongside this, Apple is known to be preparing new software features for Apple TV and HomePod. Code mentioned a feature to link with Apple TV and configure four large HomePods as a surround sound system.

HomePod mini 2 is also likely to be unveiled. The biggest change is the S10 chip. Performance is expected to rise sharply compared with the current model's S5 processor, enabling Siri AI support. A new colour lineup has been discussed, including pink, white, green, blue and black.

Apple is also preparing to expand its smart home accessory strategy beyond the three devices. It has been reported to be jointly developing smart locks, thermostats, doorbells and multiple types of cameras with LG. Those products are more likely to be unveiled or launched months later rather than immediately. At this event, Apple may only present direction as part of its home strategy.

The announcement is also being read as a signal that Apple wants to grow again in the smart home area, where its presence has been relatively weak. In particular, linking Apple TV, HomePod and HomeKit accessories around HomeView is expected to make clearer a plan to operate digital devices at home as a single bundle. A key question at the Oct. 13 event is whether Apple will stop at unveiling hardware or also present a smart home roadmap.