Apple intends to strengthen its presence in the smart home market by introducing a new generation of smart home products. Reports indicate that alongside unveiling a completely new device for managing smart homes, the company will also introduce upgraded versions of the HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K.
Apple is preparing to hold an event titled "Welcome Home" that is expected to take place on Tuesday, October 13 (21 Mehr). This event could mark the beginning of a new phase of Apple’s efforts to compete more seriously with Google and Amazon in the smart home market.
Apple previously tried to secure a strong position in this market by introducing the HomeKit platform and the HomePod smart speaker, but it failed to achieve the expected success. Now it appears the company, by focusing on artificial intelligence, unified control of home devices, and launching new products, seeks to change this situation.
HomeView; Apple’s new product for smart home management
The most anticipated product at this event is a device likely called "HomeView" designed to compete directly with Google’s Nest Hub and Amazon’s Echo Show.
The device will be equipped with a display and speaker and can act as the command center for a smart home. Through it, users will be able to manage connected home devices and control the functions of various devices.
According to Mark Gurman, the Bloomberg reporter known for publishing reports about unreleased Apple products, HomeView will likely be offered in two versions: a tabletop model and another that can be wall-mounted.
According to published information, the device will use the A18 chip and will be equipped with the new version of the Siri voice assistant. However, unlike the iPad, it is not intended to be a multipurpose tablet and its apps will largely be limited to smart home management features.
Smart Siri; Apple’s trump card in competition with Google and Amazon
One of the most important parts of Apple’s new strategy is the use of an advanced version of Siri with AI capabilities.
This voice assistant is expected to play the main role in user interaction with HomeView and enable control of home devices via voice commands.
The success of this approach will largely depend on Siri’s performance and its ability to provide an experience different from competitor products. Of course, Siri’s new AI-based features are not yet available in all markets, including France.
In this regard, reports indicate Apple is collaborating with LG to expand the range of smart home-compatible equipment. Products such as smart doorbells, thermostats, smart locks, and surveillance cameras are among the devices mentioned in these reports.
New HomePod mini with faster processor and better connectivity
Another product likely to be announced is the new generation of the small HomePod mini speaker.
The device is expected to be equipped with the S10 chip, which provides greater processing power to run Siri’s new features. Also, using the N1 connectivity chip could help improve the device’s connectivity.
In addition to hardware upgrades, Apple may also introduce new colors for the HomePod mini.
Apple TV 4K with A19 chip and independent voice control
The third anticipated product is a new Apple TV 4K that, according to reports, will come with significant hardware changes.
The most notable potential upgrade for this device is the use of the A19 chip. It is also said Apple intends to place microphones directly in the Apple TV body so users can issue voice commands without needing the remote control.
Another change concerns the remote control. Based on published information, the new remote may be equipped with a built-in speaker to make it easier to locate when lost.
Probable release timing for Apple’s new products
According to Eghtesad News citing Futura, it is predicted that the new HomePod mini and the new generation of Apple TV 4K will hit the market on October 30. In contrast, HomeView is expected to arrive slightly later, in mid-November (late Aban 1405).
However, the technical specifications, unveiling time, and release dates of these products have not yet been officially confirmed by Apple, and the current information remains at the level of reports and published predictions.
If these plans materialize, Apple could take a new step to strengthen its presence in the smart home market by combining home devices, a central display, and an AI-based voice assistant.