Apple is holding a special launch event today, October 13, 2026, called Welcome Home. The presentation takes place in Tribeca, New York, starting at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (6:30 PM Indian Standard Time). The event marks Apple’s first big move into dedicated tabletop smart displays for your house.
The company has spent years building connected features across its phones, tablets, and computers, such as the cross-device tools we highlighted when cross-platform laptop sync rolled out to phones. Now, Apple wants to bring that same easy control directly into your kitchen and living room counter space.
Meet the Apple HomePad Smart Screen
The star of today’s event is expected to be a new smart home screen called HomePad. Supply chain reports indicate the device features a 6-inch square touch screen that rests on a compact half-dome speaker base. A wall-mount version is also anticipated for hallway mounting.
The HomePad runs on an A18 or newer processor with 8GB of memory so it can use Apple Intelligence right on the device. It runs a new operating system called homeOS, which combines elements of iOS, tvOS, and watchOS. Built-in distance sensors detect when someone walks into the room, showing simple clocks or photos from far away and switching to light switches and thermostat controls as you walk closer.
FaceTime Video Calls and Smart Home Hub
The HomePad carries a 1080p camera on the front, letting family members make FaceTime calls with a quick tap. Because the device sits in shared spaces, Apple designed a guest mode and voice recognition so other family members can control smart lights, music, and doorbells without seeing private messages.
The screen also acts as a primary Matter and Thread smart home hub, letting you control smart accessories from many different brands right from one central display.
Refreshed Apple TV 4K and HomePod mini 2
Alongside the smart screen, Apple is expected to announce its first update to the Apple TV 4K streaming box since 2022. The new model is tipped to include an A19 or A19 Pro processor, bringing faster gaming performance, Apple Intelligence tools, and a Siri remote that is easier to locate using Find My sounds.
Apple is also readying the HomePod mini 2. The compact speaker is expected to bring richer sound and new vibrant colors, giving users more affordable ways to set up room-to-room audio. These new smart home announcements come right as shoppers look for great value after price adjustments slowed premium hardware purchases.
Pricing and Availability Expectations
Official pricing will be announced during the livestream. Analysts predict the HomePad could start between $249 and $299 (approx. ₹21,000 to ₹25,000), while the refreshed Apple TV 4K may hold its traditional starting price around $129 (approx. ₹14,900 in India). Pre-orders are expected to begin immediately after the broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Apple Welcome Home event start in India?
The event streams live on October 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM Indian Standard Time on Apple’s official website and YouTube channel.
What is the Apple HomePad?
The HomePad is Apple’s new smart home display featuring a 6-inch screen, a speaker base, FaceTime calling, and smart home controls powered by homeOS.
Does the HomePad have a built-in battery?
According to regulatory filings, the HomePad is designed for tabletop or wall use and requires a continuous USB-C power connection rather than running on internal battery power.
Passionategeekz Take
Apple has taken its time entering the smart display space, but bringing Apple Intelligence into a dedicated countertop hub could make managing connected homes much easier. If the HomePad delivers good sound and seamless family video calling, it could quickly become a favorite kitchen accessory. To keep up with all the live announcements, check the Passionategeekz website, and see how other smart gadgets perform in our device comparison guides.
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