Apple announces October 13 “Welcome home” event

Apple has set Tuesday, October 13, for an event that hints at a home-focused announcement, using the words “Welcome home” in a teaser shared by its marketing chief. The company has not named any products yet, but reports point to a refresh of its smart home lineup.

Welcome home. October 13.

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 8, 2026

Apple has confirmed the date, not the lineup

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, posted the teaser on October 8. 9to5Mac reports that Apple invited press to an in-person “Apple Experience” in Tribeca, New York City, starting at 9 a.m. ET on October 13.

Apple has not published a product list or said whether it will stream a full presentation online. That leaves the event format and any public video unconfirmed; it may be a press experience rather than one of Apple’s usual keynote broadcasts.

The tagline is the clearest clue to the subject. Apple already sells HomePod speakers and Apple TV, but it has not said whether either line will get an update next week. The company has also not announced a new smart display or hub.

A smart home hub is the leading rumor

Bloomberg has reported that Apple is preparing a screen-equipped home hub alongside updated versions of HomePod mini and Apple TV. Those products remain rumors until Apple announces them. iGeeksBlog has previously covered the October product launch plans and the smart home hub’s rumored launch timeline.

One earlier report described a 7-inch display paired with a HomePod-like speaker, with tabletop and wall-mounted versions in development. A hub could give Home controls and Siri a fixed place in a shared room, while a refreshed speaker or TV box would update products customers already use at home. Apple has not confirmed the design or features, and the teaser does not reveal what any device might look like or how it would work.

Recent reports have also mentioned Apple working with LG on home accessories. The reported Apple-LG lineup remains unconfirmed, and Apple has not said whether those products will be part of next week’s experience. The event could bring one product announcement or a wider Home refresh; the invite and teaser do not settle that question.

What to watch for on October 13

The event starts at 9 a.m. ET in New York, or 6 a.m. PT and 6:30 p.m. IST. Apple has not shared pricing, release dates, availability, or any product details. If the company adds a public stream or product pages, those would confirm whether the press experience is tied to a broader launch.

For now, “Welcome home” signals the theme, not a product list. The smart home hub is the biggest rumored change, while updates to HomePod mini and Apple TV would be more familiar refreshes. Apple’s announcement next week will show whether the reports match its plans.