Apple is reportedly preparing to launch its long-rumored smart home hub, called the “HomePad,” on October 13. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is cited by multiple outlets, which say the device is code-named J490 and positioned as a central part of Apple’s smart home strategy.
The reports also link the HomePad’s unveiling to two other releases. Apple is expected to announce an updated HomePod mini and a new or upgraded Apple TV 4K device alongside the hub. All three products are said to feature Apple’s updated AI-powered assistant, Siri, with references to an AI-focused update rather than a standard version.
While the core launch date and product lineup are consistent, the outlets differ in the level of detail they provide. One source emphasizes the hub’s role and the code name J490, while another adds specific claimed hardware features for the HomePad, including a display size and support for face and voice recognition. The report descriptions also note that the HomePod mini and Apple TV devices are overdue for refreshes, based on their earlier-generation release timelines.
