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Apple is reportedly planning to introduce a new smart-home hub on October 13, 2026, but the date and product details come from Bloomberg reporting relayed by Macworld and MacRumors—not an Apple announcement. The rumored tabletop version is said to have a display on an adjustable arm above a speaker base, a design that recalls the iMac G4. A separate wall-mounted version is also reported. Macworld’s September 30 report says the date refers to a planned introduction, not necessarily when the device would go on sale.
What is reportedly coming on October 13?
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple plans to introduce smart-home products on October 13, including a new hub. Macworld and other coverage connect that timing to the hub, which is described as the centerpiece of Apple’s renewed smart-home effort. The reporting does not say whether Apple will hold an event or announce the products on its website. Macworld and MacRumors both attribute the details to Gurman, so their accounts are not independent confirmations.
“Two weeks” was Macworld’s framing relative to its September 30 publication date. October 13 is a reported introduction date, not a confirmed retail launch or shipping date.
How is the rumored hub said to look?
Tabletop configuration
The newer September 30 account describes a square screen about six inches across, with thick black bezels and a gray aluminum finish. A polished metal arm would connect it to a round base with perforated speaker openings; the screen could reportedly tilt forward and backward by hand. The display, arm, and base together evoke the iMac G4, although the reported device is a smart-home hub rather than a computer. These are reported design details, not specifications Apple has confirmed. Macworld
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Wall-mounted configuration
A second reported model would mount on a wall. It is described as having a thin square speaker-and-microphone base beneath the display and requiring continuous power. The reporting does not establish whether its mounting hardware is included or specify installation requirements beyond the need for power. Macworld
| Reported configuration | Placement and structure | Power detail reported |
|---|---|---|
| Tabletop | Screen on a tilting metal arm above a round speaker base | Not stated in the September 30 account |
| Wall-mounted | Screen above a thin square speaker-and-microphone base | Continuous power required |
The six-inch estimate comes from the September 30 report. Earlier background coverage gave different size descriptions, so those older estimates should not be combined with the newer account as though they described a finalized product.
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What could the hub do?
MacRumors’ account of Gurman’s reporting describes a front-facing FaceTime camera and a device intended to provide a shared screen for household tasks. Reported possible uses include:
- Controlling smart-home devices
- Making video calls and sending intercom-style messages
- Playing audio, showing photo slideshows, and watching videos
- Finding recipes by voice
The hub could reportedly recognize a speaker or someone approaching and adapt what it displays. A visitor mode is also described as hiding personal information. Apple has not demonstrated or confirmed these capabilities in the sources reviewed; camera behavior, privacy controls, and software support remain unknown. MacRumors
Rank #3
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How might it fit with Apple’s existing smart-home products?
Apple TV and HomePod are already described in background coverage as devices that can serve as home hubs, while Apple devices can control HomeKit setups. The rumored product’s distinct role would be a dedicated screen for household controls and shared information. That context does not establish that the unreleased hub will add any particular capability or work with a specific accessory. MacRumors’ background guide
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is still unconfirmed?
As of October 3, 2026, the reviewed reports do not establish an official Apple announcement, final product name, price, release or shipping date, or verified availability. “HomePad” is an informal press nickname, not a confirmed Apple name. The reported design and features could change, and there is not enough confirmed information to compare price, compatibility, camera privacy, or software support.
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Rank #4
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