Reports say that an Apple event will be held on 13 October local time, with a smart home hub, a new HomePod mini and Apple TV expected to be announced. The event could take place on the 14th in Japan time.
Based on predictions by Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman (マーク・ガーマン), reports discuss the local event date and the products to be announced. Apple may announce three products at once: a smart home hub, a new HomePod mini and a new Apple TV.
The smart home hub is being developed as a new category intended for installation in each room and is expected to be priced affordably compared with competing devices. Two types are anticipated, a wall-mounted model and a tabletop model, with displays combining a roughly 6- to 7-inch square format. Some observers believe it would be difficult to price it below the current HomePod mini.
The new HomePod mini is rumored to add body colors such as green and pink and to feature an updated chip in preparation for Siri AI support. The new Apple TV is expected to retain the current design while receiving an internal specification update.
The smart home hub is expected to be priced at approximately ¥25,800–¥29,800 including tax, potentially placing it in the mid-range between the ¥17,980 Echo Show 5 and ¥39,980 Echo Show 8.