Apple is reportedly set to launch its first smart home display in just two weeks. According to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, the so-called Apple HomePad is scheduled to be unveiled on October 13 in two different form factors: as a tabletop device with a 6-inch display and as a wall-mounted model with built-in speakers. Read on to find out what’s known so far about its design, features, and possible prices.
Apple has been working for years on its own smart-home hub with a screen, similar to the Amazon Echo Show or the Google Nest Hub. Several delays and internal discussions about the right operating system are said to have pushed back the launch time and again. But now it seems to be coming together.
When is the Apple HomePad coming out? The release date
In his Bloomberg newsletter “Power On,” Gurman cites October 13 as the launch date for the new product family, as reported by IT Boltwise, among others. That would be just a few weeks after the latest fall lineup featuring the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the AirTag 2. Apple would thus be refreshing several new product categories within a matter of weeks, which is rather unusual for the company.
There has not yet been an official announcement from Apple itself. However, Gurman is considered one of the most reliable insiders in the Apple community, and his predictions regarding release dates have mostly proven accurate in recent years.
Design: Two Displays for Two Use Cases
Internally, the project carries the model numbers J490 and J491, which represent the two main variants.
Desktop model (J490)
The desktop version features a square 6-inch display and visually resembles the 2002 iMac G4: a flat screen suspended from a polished metal arm above a round base. The stand itself houses the speakers, recognizable by their ring-shaped openings. The display is said to be as thin as an iPhone, though with comparatively wide bezels.
Wall-Mount Model (J491)
The second variant is designed for wall mounting. Here, the speakers and microphones are located directly behind a flat, square base, which also houses the display. This version is better suited for use in hallways or the kitchen, where there isn’t room for a freestanding device.
A third variant with a robotic arm
In addition, Apple is reportedly working on a third model: a 9-inch display mounted on a movable arm that can rotate 360 degrees and tilt. This device would be able to automatically follow the user during a video call. It is still unclear whether this variant will be unveiled on October 13 or released at a later date.
Features: Siri AI, facial recognition, and visitor mode
At the heart of the software is a revamped, AI-powered Siri, which is said to be built on Apple’s new voice assistant architecture. In addition, there are features familiar from competing devices but implemented within Apple’s own ecosystem:
- Face recognition, so the display can recognize users and show personalized content
- A guest mode that hides private data when guests are in the house
- Control of thermostats, door locks, and other accessories via Apple Home
- FaceTime calls via a front-facing camera
- Widgets familiar from the iPhone, right on the large display
Not just the HomePad: The HomePod mini and Apple TV are also expected to follow
According to Gurman, Apple is planning October 13 as a major push into the smart home sector. In addition to the HomePad, an updated HomePod mini—which hasn’t been refreshed since 2020—and a new Apple TV box, the first since 2022, are also expected to be released on that day. Both devices are set to feature faster processors, which should primarily make the new Siri AI run more smoothly.
Price and Specs: What’s Still Unknown
There is no reliable information yet regarding the price or the chip used. Given the display size and AI features, a starting price in the range of $200 to $300 would be plausible, though this is purely speculation and not confirmed information. Reports so far have also remained silent on the exact processor.
Apple vs. Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub
With the HomePad, Apple is entering a market that Amazon, with the Echo Show, and Google, with the Nest Hub, have been dominating for years. Both manufacturers have a clear lead in terms of price and market penetration. Apple’s advantage is likely to be its deep integration with the iPhone, Mac, and its own home automation system—especially for users who are already part of the Apple ecosystem.
Conclusion
If October 13 is confirmed as the launch date, Apple would finally be taking a long-awaited step with the HomePad. The details known so far regarding design and features sound plausible and have been reported independently on multiple occasions, though official confirmation from Apple itself is still pending. We’ll update this article as soon as new information becomes available.
