Apple Plans to Launch Siri AI-Powered Smart Home Devices on October 13
Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, reports that Apple plans to release multiple smart home devices powered by Siri AI on October 13, 2026, reviving its smart home product line. The lineup includes a home hub codenamed J490, a new HomePod mini, and an updated Apple TV.
The most anticipated device is the J490 home hub. It features a roughly 6-inch square touchscreen, supports tabletop and wall mounting, and runs a redesigned interface that blends elements from iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. The hub can control HomeKit and Matter devices, handle music, FaceTime, calendars, and other shared family functions. It also includes a built-in camera that adjusts the interface based on distance and recognizes different family members to show personalized content.
Upgrades for the HomePod mini and Apple TV are said to be mainly internal, including faster processors, improved wireless connectivity, and computing power prepared for the new Siri AI, with minimal design changes. Siri AI launched as an English beta in early September 2026, and Apple CEO John Ternus reportedly believes it is now good enough to support the product refresh.
Apple's smart home lineup had stalled for years: the HomePod mini had not been updated since 2020, and the current Apple TV was released in 2022. The upcoming launch is seen as Apple's first major step toward an AI-centric home ecosystem.
