Apple to Launch HomePad Hub and Updated Apple TV 4K on October 13

Key points

• The October 13 event will introduce the HomePad, a hybrid device combining a 6-inch touch display with a HomePod-style speaker base, designed as a central control hub for smart homes.
• The new Apple TV 4K will feature the A17 Pro chip and an N1 connectivity chip, supporting spatial audio with up to four HomePods and an updated remote.
• The second-generation HomePod Mini will include enhanced audio processing, upgraded Siri AI capabilities, and new color options such as dark green, blue, and pink.
• Apple is partnering with LG for smart accessories, including a deadbolt lock, thermostat, and sensors, which are compatible with HomeKit but may not launch until months after the event.
• A second Apple event is rumored for October 27, potentially unveiling OLED iPads, MacBook Pros with M6 chips, and an iMac with an M6 chip.

Background

Recent leaks and beta software releases in early October 2026 confirmed the existence of the HomePad, updated Apple TV 4K, and HomePod Mini. Leaked renders also detailed LG-branded smart home devices, including a rotating-keypad deadbolt and a circular thermostat, which are part of a broader partnership but expected to ship later than the core Apple hardware.

How outlets are covering it

Geeky Gadgets emphasizes the HomePad's role as the central hub of Apple's smart home strategy, highlighting its Face ID-like technology and integration with a new Home OS. MacRumors focuses on the broader timeline, noting that while the core devices launch on October 13, the LG-branded accessories may not arrive until later, and that a separate event on October 27 will feature OLED displays for iPads and MacBooks. Both sources agree on the core product lineup but differ in emphasis, with Geeky Gadgets detailing specific features like the A17 Pro chip in the Apple TV 4K, while MacRumors provides a calendar of upcoming Apple dates including the iPhone Duo launch.

Why it matters

The launch of the HomePad marks a significant shift in Apple's smart home strategy, moving from standalone speakers to a centralized hub with a display. The collaboration with LG expands Apple's ecosystem into third-party hardware, potentially increasing adoption of HomeKit. The upcoming OLED displays for iPads and MacBooks signal a major hardware refresh, impacting the broader tech market.

What to watch

Pre-orders for the iPhone Duo begin on October 16, and the device launches on October 23. The second Apple event on October 27 is expected to unveil OLED iPads and MacBooks. The LG-branded smart home accessories are expected to launch months after the October 13 event.